From Seed to Fork: Honoring Black Farmers and Their Role in Organic Farming
For generations, Black farmers have been at the heart of sustainable agriculture. Their commitment to farming, community nourishment, and environmental stewardship has shaped the very foundation of organic agriculture. This Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Black farmers—the innovators, caretakers, and advocates who have cultivated not just food, but a movement toward sustainability and food justice. Their resilience, knowledge, and dedication continue to enrich our food systems and inspire future generations.
A Legacy Rooted in Organic Principles
In 1920, 14% of U.S. farmers were Black. Today, that number has plummeted to less than 1.3%, largely due to systemic barriers such as land dispossession and unequal access to resources. Despite these challenges, Black farmers have remained committed to stewarding the land with time-honored techniques that enrich biodiversity and preserve soil health.
Pioneers of Organic Agriculture
Dr. George Washington Carver, often considered the father of the modern regenerative organic agriculture movement, made groundbreaking contributions to agricultural biodiversity and ecological health, raising up farming as a revolutionary tool for social progress. He researched and developed hundreds of uses for peanuts, soybeans, pecans, and sweet potatoes in innovative crop rotations. Dr. Carver's promotion of crop rotation practices restored biodiversity and health to the soil, a principle that remains central to organic farming today.
Black Farmers Leading the Way Today
Black farmers and organizations today are reclaiming land, championing food justice, and promoting regenerative organic practices across the country. These groups are leading the charge, ensuring that organic agriculture is inclusive and equitable and share a view of organic and regenerative organic agriculture as essential to health and wellbeing for all.
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Lola’s Organic Farm – Diversified organic farm & farmer-training site led by Dr. Jennifer Taylor in Georgia, which hosts workshops to train black farmers as advocates and as organic farmers. Dr. Taylor leads the North American branch of International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) International.
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The Federation of Southern Cooperatives (FOSC)– Born out of the Civil Rights movement, the FOSC works to save Black-owned farms and land, develop self-supporting communities, and assist in land retention and development for all family farmers.
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The National Black Food and Justice Alliance - Unites Black urban and rural farmers, organizers, and land stewards nationwide to protect Black land, promote sustainable & organic agriculture, and work towards food sovereignty, while creating safe and nourishing community spaces.
Our Commitment to Supporting Black Farmers
At Nature’s Path, we are committed to fostering an inclusive organic movement. We proudly support Black farmers by:
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Partnering with like-minded organizations like Center for Food Safety & National Organic Coalition to advocate for policies that support a more just and equitable food system for all.
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Investing more than $100,000 annually through our Gardens for Good: Plant it Forward grant program to support 15 community gardens across North America each year that provide organic gardening resources and training to underserved communities. In 2024, 100% of the Gardens for Good: Plant it Forward grant recipients were BIPOC-led or serving organizations.
By empowering Black farmers, we strengthen the organic food movement and help create a more sustainable & equitable food future for all.
How You Can Support Black Farmers
Want to make a difference? Here are a few ways to take action:
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Shop from Black-owned organic farms and brands
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Donate to organizations working for land equity and food justice
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Support policies that create a more just and equitable food system in your community
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Educate yourself and others on the contributions of Black farmers
Learn More:
Black farmers have long been stewards & pioneers of the land, cultivating not just food, but a more just and resilient food system. This Black History Month—and every month—let’s honor their contributions and commit to a future where organic farming is truly for everyone.
This post was written in collaboration with the Center for Food Safety (CFS).
About Center for Food Safety:
As a leader in the food movement for over 25 years, Center for Food Safety (CFS) has used groundbreaking legal, policy, corporate, public education, and grassroots campaigns to protect our food, our farms, and our environment. We believe in the power of organic and sustainable farming and eating and are proud to stand with like-minded organizations and consumers to create a better food future. Learn more here: https://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/
