In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, a powerful collective of Black-led organizations is pioneering a transformative movement to advance food justice, land stewardship, and community empowerment.

Known as the Black Ag Ecosystem (BAE), this coalition is dedicated to addressing the systemic inequities faced by Black farmers and land stewards across Oregon and Washington. By leveraging the collective strength of its members, BAE is creating pathways to food sovereignty, generational wealth, and sustainable community development.

The collective comprises several key organizations, each with its unique focus and expertise:

• Black Food Sovereignty Coalition (BFSC): A community-based organization that empowers Black and Brown communities to participate as owners and leaders within food systems, placemaking, and economic development.
• Black Oregon Land Trust (BOLT): A nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for Black farmers to affordably steward land and build culturally-relevant agricultural skills.
• Feed’em Freedom Foundation (FFF): A Black-led nonprofit that supports Black farmers to grow and celebrate culturally-specific ancestral foods.
• Black Food Fund: A fund that redistributes financial capital to Black farmers and land stewards to build wealth, self-determination, and resiliency.

Achievements and Impact

Over the past five years, the Black Ag Ecosystem (BAE) has made significant strides in advancing Black food and land justice across the Pacific Northwest. One of BAE’s major achievements includes hosting the Back to the Root Conference, which has successfully convened hundreds of BIPOC growers from Oregon, Washington, and California, fostering a strong sense of community and knowledge exchange.

BAE has also been instrumental in securing substantial federal and state funding, such as a $2.5 million USDA grant and a $1.7 million Portland Clean Energy Fund grant. These funds have been pivotal in supporting Black farming, land acquisition, and the development of innovative projects like the Net Zero Community Demonstration Site.

In addition to securing resources, BAE has facilitated the acquisition of 73 acres of farmland in Oregon and Washington, allowing Black farmers to practice sustainable agriculture and build generational wealth. The Black Food Fund, a key initiative within BAE, has been crucial in redistributing capital to Black farmers, providing them with the financial support needed to build resilience and self-determination within the regional food system.

BAE’s commitment to promoting climate action and food justice is further exemplified by organizing Black farmer participation in national advocacy efforts, such as the Farmers for Climate Action Rally for Resilience in Washington, D.C.

A Vision for the Future

BAE’s vision extends beyond its current achievements. The collective is working to create a more equitable and sustainable food system for Black communities in the Pacific Northwest. By empowering Black farmers, supporting land access, and promoting food sovereignty, BAE is laying the groundwork for a brighter future.