FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Empowering Underserved Farmers: Kansas Black Farmers Association Announces Multi-State Land Access Program
Reclaiming the Heritage of Farming for the Underserved: A Regional Agricultural Partnership to Access Land, Capital, Markets, and Education
[Nicodemus, KS, 4.14.2024] – The Kansas Black Farmers Association, Inc. (KBFA), in collaboration with partner organizations, is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at increasing land access for underserved farmers teetering on the edge of viability. KBFA has been awarded 8.4 million-dollar grant from USDA FSA to fund this initiative. This new, comprehensive program, spanning a five-state region over five years, will provide essential technical assistance and capital access, revolutionizing opportunities for farmers in need.
The program, designed to uplift farmers throughout the region, will unfold in four distinct phases: Education (P1), Acquisition (P2), Cultivation (P3), and Prosperity (P4). These phases will be facilitated by a consortium of esteemed technical service providers, ensuring farmers receive tailored support every step of the way. Graduation from each phase will be a prerequisite for advancement to the next, fostering a structured path towards sustainable success.
“We’re thrilled to spearhead this initiative alongside our valued partners,” says JohnElla Holmes Reece, Project Executive Director of the program. “By breaking down barriers to land access and providing comprehensive support, we aim to empower underserved farmers and cultivate a brighter future for agricultural communities across our region.”
Through strategic collaboration and targeted intervention, KBFA and its partners will amplify the impact of existing programs, facilitating seamless knowledge transfer and resource allocation. The program’s overarching goal is to connect underserved farmers with long-term land tenure and ownership opportunities, ensuring the sustainability of partnerships and educational initiatives for generations to come.
“The significance of this program cannot be overstated,” remarks Francessca Petrie, Director of KBFA and Director of the grant. “It represents a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to address systemic disparities in agriculture and ensure equitable access to resources for all farmers.”
The grant-funded portion of the program will culminate with a thorough evaluation, providing valuable insights into its efficacy and informing future endeavors. The writing of this grant was led by a dedicated team, including Project Executive Director JohnElla Holmes Reece PhD, CEO President of the Kansas Black Farmers Association, Director Francessca Petrie, Grant Director of Reclaiming the Heritage of Farming for the Underserved: A Regional Agricultural Partnership to Access Land, Capital, Markets, and Education.
We want to graciously thank the Rural Coalition for their invaluable contribution to the realization of this opportunity.
For more information about the program and its impact, please visit [KBFA | Kansas Black Farmers Association].
About Kansas Black Farmers Association, Inc. (KBFA):
The Kansas Black Farmers Association, Inc. (KBFA) is dedicated to promoting the economic and social well-being of black farmers and agricultural communities in Kansas and beyond. Through advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives, KBFA strives to address systemic disparities and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Maria Venditti
Media Specialist at KBFA