Yes, there are available grants for black farmers. There are grants strictly meant for black farmers in the United States and there are equally grants that black farmers are given preferences.
From time immemorial, in the United States of America, farmers of color (black farmers inclusive) have been systematically discriminated against. Some of the opportunities and privileges that white farmers enjoy are not extended to black farmers.
Black farmers find it difficult to access loans and grants from the state and federal government. But today, as a black farmer in the United States, you now have the opportunity to start and grow your farm, many thanks to some grants that are strictly reserved for black farmers.
Available Minority Grants for Black Farmers
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Black Farmer Fund
One of the major grant-issuing organizations that a black farmer can approach when they are looking for grants is the Black Farmer Fund.
The Black Farmer Fund was birthed from a community of black farmers who want the best for aspiring black farmers in the northeastern part of America.
The fund is also meant to help young black farmers secure their land because there was a time black farmers were losing their farmlands to white farmers due to lack of capital to cultivate the farm.
Black Farmer Fund was designed to give out low-interest community grants and notes to Black farmers, restaurant owners, herbalists, caterers, food distributors, and other food-related business owners in New York State.
Aside from giving out grants to black farmers, the Black Farmer Fund also educates and empowers black farmers to be financially literate.
Requirements
- You must be a practicing farmer in any of the Northeast states
- You must be a black farmer
- You must have a registered farm
- Submit all the required documents
How to Apply
To apply for the Black Farmer Fund, you should visit their official website and fill out the form.
Another organization that a black farmer can approach for a grant is the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For over 30 years, and in partnership with organizations nationwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through their 2501 Program has supported historically underserved farmers and ranch owners who have experienced difficulties accessing loans because of ethnic or racial prejudice.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has about $35 million in available funding to veteran farmers, ranch owners, and other related businesses that may qualify for the grants.
Funding is given out via the USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program (which is also called the 2501 Program). The 2501 Program is managed by the USDA Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE).
Requirements
- You must be a practicing farmer in the United States of America
- You must have a registered farm
- Submit all the required documents
How to Apply
- To apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (2501 Program), you need to visit their official website and fill out the form.
- Please note that all applications must be submitted via grants.gov by 11:59 pm EST on the date stated.
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Kentucky Black Farmer Fund
Kentucky Black Farmer Fund is yet another grant-issuing organization that a black farmer can access in the United States of America.
The Kentucky Black Farmer Fund is powered by Community Farm Alliance and they have been able to raise $18,800 through Farm Aid support and the organization has also contributed.
Kentucky Black Farmer Fund gives out up to $750 one-time grants to Black-operated family-scale farmers in Kentucky to support them in meeting the new demands brought about by COVID-19.
Requirements
- The farm must be a black-operated, family farm in Kentucky
- The farm must have less than ten full-time employees under their payroll
- The farm must be actively part of the local food system, offering produce, livestock, edible herbs, honey, maple syrup
- The farm must be selling their farm produce through local markets (i.e., Community Supported Agriculture, farmers market, farm share, roadside market, local restaurants, etc.)
- Recipients of the grants are encouraged to partner with a local backpack program, food pantry, or other food security program where they can also contribute their seconds and excess products to the community food bank.
How to Apply
- To apply for a grant from the Kentucky Black Farmer Fund, you need to visit their official website and fill out the form.
In Conclusion,
Please note that aside from grant-issuing organizations listed above, there are other general organizations and communities that also give out grants to black farmers as long as they are qualified for such grants.