Peaches for All: Recent Episodes
Peaches for All
Why aren't there many black farmers today? Learn the history behind agricultural discrimination in Georgia. Follow us for gardening and large-scale farming tips.
Unfortunately, it may come as no surprise to hear that systemic discrimination against black Americans extends to farming practices. Today, we’ll discuss the recent efforts of a few senators, including Georgia’s own Raphael Warnock, to hold the USDA accountable for historic discrimination against black farmers, which continues to have an effect on the current economic state of black farmers in Georgia.
Warnock, along with senator Warren from Massachusetts and senator Booker from New Jersey and Vermont’s Bernie Sanders, question the efficacy of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack’s commission tasked with investigating racial inequality and handling complaints of the USDA. They claim that complaints to the USDA’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights have gone unanswered and unaddressed for over 4 times the 180 day standard. The delay or outright failure to address civil rights concerns doesn’t sit right with the journey to environmental justice in agriculture, especially given the historical use of delay tactics to lock black farmers out of financial aid. For example, in the 1999 Pigford v. Glickman lawsuit, over 70,000 farmers could not access aid due to claims that their paperwork was filed late. Additionally, the USDA has historically been accused of “paper-shuffling” to essentially delay grants and loans to black farmers until the end of planting season.
Given this historical context, the call to action addressed to the USDA by Warnock, Warren, Booker, and Sanders is welcome and albeit small, is certainly a step in the right direction. Here is what they had to say: “Take immediate action to address the concerns raised by Black farmers and work to put the USDA on a more equitable path moving forward, and we ask you to do so without delay.”
Read more at Bloomberg; we’ve linked the article below in the transcript: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-02/warren-booker-press-usda-to-address-bias-against-black-farmers
People advocate for shopping local, but how realistic is it? Maybe we live in the city with only a few local farmers nearby, or maybe we do live near a farm stand, but making the trip for a few greens is not as convenient as just going to a nearby grocery store.
Hello, I am Liliana and today we are going to talk about selling your produce outside your farms. The benefits of selling outside your farm is one: it raises awareness of your location and work if you already have a stand, two: it brings in more sales and consistent customers, and three: you can donate what you do not sell rather than dispose of it. Many small farmers will find it difficult to attract people to sell to, especially if their stand is not near a busy street. Luckily, there are several local supermarkets and flea markets where you can sell at stands.
“At some point, I realized I was wasting my garden vegetables rather than actually consuming them, so I decided to sell corn and other greens at Pendergrass.”
That’s Ashley, she is a fresh produce vendor at the Pendergrass Flea Market.
“Whatever I do not sell, I share with the other vendors and visitors, which is rewarding because you truly build a community by sharing.”
At Pendergrass flea market, you will find several small farmers selling fresh produce, jams, and livestock, and we can confirm that people love chicks and eating fresh oranges. As the fall is coming soon, plan ahead on what and where to sell, by checking out what local farmers near you are selling. Be sure to check out our interactive map and local farmers markets at www.gbfa.com to get started.
When you're talking about the wealthy aspect of agriculture, you don't find many Black farmers. The population of Black Georgian farmers almost became nonexistent during the 20th century, due to violent tactics and discriminatory practices. However, after nearly 100 years, Georgia ranks fifth for the highest number of Black Farmers.
This slow yet undeniable momentum is due to those who have felt a calling to return to the land their lineage once owned. To desire and accept a calling, people must be knowledgeable before making a decision, and that is exactly what is happening in Georgia. Airbnb has partnered with Georgia Land Trust Organization to offer the opportunity for guests to stay on Black-owned farms in Southwest Georgia.
This partnership would not only provide guests with an interactive tour of the farmland but is also structured with the intent of empowering the Black community. Supporting a black-owned farm starts by educating yourself on the past to promote a positive future in agriculture. To support agribusinesses in Georgia, check out our latest interactive map to find a farm near you.