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Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon Food and Farms Partnership sponsored my trip to New York City for the 2010 Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference. It was held at brooklyn college which is a small school located in the heart of the brooklyn borough. The conference had a lot of energy invested into it and was very well attended by roughly 500 people from all over the nation. There were people from all over Oakland, Detroit, Maryland, NC, BAltimore, Dominican Republic and many others.
The conference was held the day of the Pigford II passage trough congress, which is a class action law suit filled against the National Department of Agriculture claiming long standing discrimination against African American farmers, it was some of the biggest news from the weekend. Some of the lead organizers and campaigners for this case were in attendance and gave a keynote address. This lawsuit has created political waves nationally because of its shear size and scale of impact. It is very rare that victories like this one happen within the Black community not to mention that Native American landowners won a large class action lawsuit settlement also in recent days.
I also spent time touring around the different boroughs of New York to see the various Urban Garden designs that had been established for community residents. We heard stories about how people had to fight for their space and establish youth opportunities. The conference promoted building stronger networks, scaling up business opportunities, and promotion of urban gardening and rural farming. The experience was very educational and I was able to bring back a lot of information that will help me in my work here in Oregon.
1. Create a viable food production program locally; 2. Build learning into our organization; 3. Produce good quality, healthy, and safe food; 4. Gain access to economic opportunities; 5. Connect locally and globally to people of color.
12.06.2010
Demographic comparisons of Black Farmers Nationwide
The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported that 2.20 million farms operated in the US. Of this total, 32,938 or approximately 1.5% of all farms, were operated by African-Americans.
Over 74% (24,446) of African-American Farms in the US. reside in Texas, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana.
Average Annual Market value for farms operated by African-American farmers in 2007 was $30,829. The national average for white US farmers was $140,521.
Overall, he number of farms operated in the US increased by 3.2% between 2002 and 2007. Farms operated by African Americans increased from 29,090 to 32,938 an 11% increase of the five year period.
In 2007, 348 (757 in 2002) African-American farmers received Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loans amounting to a total of $9.9 million. This averaged $28,408 per participating African-American farmer, about 32% of the national Average ($87,917). Average CCC loan value to white farmers was $88,370.
Other federal farm payments to African-American operated farms averaged $4,260. Half the national average government farm payment of $9,518. About 31% of all African American farmers received some government payment compared to 50% of white farmers.
Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture, NASS
Over 74% (24,446) of African-American Farms in the US. reside in Texas, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana.
Average Annual Market value for farms operated by African-American farmers in 2007 was $30,829. The national average for white US farmers was $140,521.
Overall, he number of farms operated in the US increased by 3.2% between 2002 and 2007. Farms operated by African Americans increased from 29,090 to 32,938 an 11% increase of the five year period.
In 2007, 348 (757 in 2002) African-American farmers received Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loans amounting to a total of $9.9 million. This averaged $28,408 per participating African-American farmer, about 32% of the national Average ($87,917). Average CCC loan value to white farmers was $88,370.
Other federal farm payments to African-American operated farms averaged $4,260. Half the national average government farm payment of $9,518. About 31% of all African American farmers received some government payment compared to 50% of white farmers.
Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture, NASS
Food Cooperatives in Portland, Oregon
My wife and I are thinking about joining a food cooperative. I am doing the research to find out which one would be best for us.
A list of all of the Food Cooperatives in Portland, Oregon.
Alberta Co-op Grocery - 1500 Northeast Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211 (503) 287-4333 - http://www.albertagrocery.coop/
How Much: 15 twice a year for 6 year or full $180 share
What you get:
# You are a co-owner of the store and receive a vote in major Co-op decisions
# Discounts at our Sister Organizations
# 2% discounts on all your purchases at the register
# 10% discounts on case orders and special orders
# Extra Discounts during special Owner Appreciation Events
# Participate as a working owner or serve on the board
People's food Co-op - 3029 Southeast 21st Avenue, Portland, OR (503)232-9051 http://www.peoples.coop/
How Much: $30 per year $180 full share owner lifetime
What do you get:
#Patronage Refund
#True Democracy
#Opportunity to Participate
#Free Yoga and Community Room Classes
#Special Discounts
#Excellent Product Selection Guidelines
Food Front Cooperative Grocery - 2375 Northwest Thurman Street Portland, OR 97210 (503)222-5658 - http://www.foodfront.coop/
How Much: $5 per month or $150 share
What you Get:
#5-10% discount during Owner Appreciation Festivals, four times a year
#Monthly Owner Specials
#Patronage dividends when the store is profitable-the more you shop, the more you get back
#10% discount on special order cases
#Front Lines newsletter
#Check cashing privileges
A list of all of the Food Cooperatives in Portland, Oregon.
Alberta Co-op Grocery - 1500 Northeast Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211 (503) 287-4333 - http://www.albertagrocery.coop/
How Much: 15 twice a year for 6 year or full $180 share
What you get:
# You are a co-owner of the store and receive a vote in major Co-op decisions
# Discounts at our Sister Organizations
# 2% discounts on all your purchases at the register
# 10% discounts on case orders and special orders
# Extra Discounts during special Owner Appreciation Events
# Participate as a working owner or serve on the board
People's food Co-op - 3029 Southeast 21st Avenue, Portland, OR (503)232-9051 http://www.peoples.coop/
How Much: $30 per year $180 full share owner lifetime
What do you get:
#Patronage Refund
#True Democracy
#Opportunity to Participate
#Free Yoga and Community Room Classes
#Special Discounts
#Excellent Product Selection Guidelines
Food Front Cooperative Grocery - 2375 Northwest Thurman Street Portland, OR 97210 (503)222-5658 - http://www.foodfront.coop/
How Much: $5 per month or $150 share
What you Get:
#5-10% discount during Owner Appreciation Festivals, four times a year
#Monthly Owner Specials
#Patronage dividends when the store is profitable-the more you shop, the more you get back
#10% discount on special order cases
#Front Lines newsletter
#Check cashing privileges
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