Black Farming Conference shines light on unique challenges for Black and brown farmers

Posted Oct 04 2023
an African American farmer holding a tablet outside a water tower

Collaboration and accessibility were key topics at the Black Indigenous People of Color Farming Network's Black Farming Conference at Central State University on Sept. 30, 2023. 

The conference celebrates the heritage of Black farmers in the United States and regenerative Afro-Indigenous farming practices developed by enslaved farmers, Patty Allen, chair of the 2023 Black Farming Conference planning committee, told WYSO. The event is an opportunity for advocates to request less red tape to apply for programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and more training and access to capital.

According to a survey conducted in 2022 from the National Young Farmers Coalition, 59% of all young farmers said finding affordable land was very or extremely challenging, while 65% of Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) farmers ranked finding affordable land to buy as very challenging.

Read more via WYSO

Black Farming Conference

young child smiles to someone at his left while standing in front of a green tractor
two representatives of Central State University Extension sit at a table with a large map of the state of Ohio showing the various regions of Extension offices
a green tractor with a red plow on the Central State University campus
a person wearing a yellow shirt talks to a man in a tractor at the 2023 Black Farming Conference at Central State University
two participants in the 2023 Black Farming Conference pose for a photo in front of a display
two men stand in front of a display at the Black Farming Conference in Wilberforce, Ohio
a speaker wearing a hat and blue shirt standing at a podium
people sit around a table with a black tablecloth
a person sits at a table beside an artist's rendition of a Black man in a red-orange hat
a person using a wheelchair speaks in front of a projector showing various logos

Scroll through our photo gallery to see some of the sights at the 2023 Black Farming Conference.

More Central State news

Sample water from the river for analysis. Hand in glove holding test tube

Leading the way: Central State University researcher to study groundwater contamination forecasting

A large group of students, alumni, faculty, and staff from Central State University at Island MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio, for the African American Wellness Walk presented by Premier Health

Central State University celebrates the return of the African American Wellness Walk

central state university student dancers in the homecoming parade

Fostering a strong sense of belonging at Central State University