2026 National Ag Day - “Can we just grow some food?”

Black agriculture in the U.S. is rooted in a history of profound expertise and stolen labor, evolving from slavery to a present-day, resilient movement reclaiming land and food sovereignty. Despite losing over 90% of their land since 1920 due to systemic discrimination, Black farmers constitute about 1.4% to 2% of US producers, driving innovation through regenerative practices and community-supported agriculture (CSA).

Key Aspects of Black Agriculture:
Historical Impact: Black Ag producers have historically been foundational to U.S. agriculture, before, during and after “Americas Peculiar Institution” figures like Dr. George Washington Carver developing regenerative practices and Dr. Booker T. Whatley inventing what is today known as community-supported agriculture (CSA).

Systemic Black Land Loss: From the high point of 16 million acres in 1920, and nearly 1 million Ag producers, Black-owned land has decreased to roughly 2 million acres today, with less than 50,000 Ag producers a loss of approximately 14 million acres valued at over $326 billion and untold economic opportunity in Black communities throughout the United States

Current Challenges: Black Agriculture faces significant barriers in accessing loans, government assistance, and resources, experiencing, at times, discriminatory treatment from lending institutions and the USDA.

Resilience & Movements: Organizations like the Black Farmers Collective, Ojama Farmer Collective, and initiatives like Soul Fire Farm (featured in Farming While Black) and California Black Agriculture Working Group are working to increase the number of Black Agriculture producers and ranchers, secure land tenure, and provide training for beginning farmers.

Current Statistics: As of 2022, Black-operated farms accounted for roughly 4.7 million acres, or 0.5% of the total U.S. farmland, with 56% of sales in crops and 44% in livestock.

Future Outlook: There is a renewed focus on Black Agriculture youth and college student involvement, with initiatives aiming to educate and mentor the next generation of Black producers