"California Grown" Challenges and Opportunities Facing Black Agriculture

National Black Farm leaders will discuss a range of issues from Wall Street Reform to Alternative Energy.

SACRAMENTO ~ Many "California Grown" communities suffer from epidemic levels of diet related disease as a direct result of the historic destruction of Black producers in California. Limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables in the bountiful agriculture products within Black communities throughout the #1 Agriculture state in the nation.

California State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg is strong supporter toward sharing the "Golden Legacy of the "African Founding Father of California." The International Bicentennial Celebration of Honorable William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr. is our unique season to highlight concern for Black Agriculture by looking at the establishment of the State of California prior to the Gold Rush of 1848.

California Agriculture Day 2010, "Healthy Choices for a Healthy California," within the offices of the California State Legislative leaders, high level conversations about agriculture, environmental and energy challenges and opportunities for Black Farmers and Ranchers face today were fruitful discussions.

The Federal Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 contains provisions for outreach, assistance and education, allocates money to settle claims from the Pigford II class action lawsuit, yet Black Agriculture in the 21st Century is an endangered species in the State of California.

"This issue does not just affect California Black Farmers," commented Michael Harris, Black Agriculture Representative, "Agriculture has a much broader impact on the entire community, and most Black Leaders continue to demonstrate fear and apathy by avoiding supporting the ongoing challenge with the "Last Plantation in America."

Congresswomen Barbara Lee and Assemblyman Sandre' Swanson represent Oakland, California, the historic transportation and agricultural anchor of Northern California. The California Bay Area was selected as the site community for our Black Agriculture Summit, July 15-17, 2010, or the year 6250 dating back to Ancient KMT.

International speakers will participate in sessions that focus upon relevant issues facing California that have significant implications for our entire nation and throughout the African diaspora.

The Black Agriculture Summit will include leadership from the United States Department of Agriculture, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and national dignitaries and guests. Among our featured panel conversations is "Faith to Farm" an introduction of the growing partnership between "The White House Faith Based Community and our National Healthy Solutions Group." The State of California Officials will join our and a Gala Celebration for the Honorable William Alexander Leidesdorff, Jr., "African Cuban, Danish Jewish U.S. Vice Consul to California, First Black Diplomat in U.S. History."

Save the Date:
Black Agriculture Summit
July 15-17, 2010, Oakland, CA