WHY WE ARE HERE, NOW

CLOSING THE RACIAL INCOME & WEALTH GAPS

The racial wealth and income gaps among farmers is stark: the average Black farm generates $3,500 in net revenue, compared to $160,000 net revenue of all other farms. These Black farmers are on the edge of viability and need support. By bringing Black farmers to parity on a revenue and profit basis, there is $5 billion in economic value that can be created across the nation.

REPAIRING BLACK LAND LOSS

Today, Black-owned farms account for 0.5% of total farmland in the U.S. and only 0.1% of farmland in Oregon – despite the prior existence of millions of acres of Black farmland during the reconstruction era. Black farmers in the United States lost roughly $326 billion worth of acreage during the 20th century — now, it’s time to rebuild.

OREGON’S OPPORTUNITY

With 2⁄3 of Oregon’s agricultural land poised to change hands in the next 10 years, we have an opportunity and responsibility to create accessible pathways for Black farmers to build sustainable, agricultural businesses that can be passed down to future generations.

RESTORING BROKEN PROMISES

We know that our communities cannot thrive economically, culturally or physically without secure access to land – and that financial wealth is the primary barrier. In current policy conversations about food security, land is rarely discussed. When Black farmers and their communities are able to own land, food justice and economic security will not only be a possibility, but a reality.