The Farmers of Color Network (FOCN) was founded in 2017 out of RAFI-USA’s reflection on how our service delivery adequately/equitably addressed the unique needs of farmers of color. We began FOCN by forging and strengthening relationships and distributing resources with a small group of farmers of color, mainly in the piedmont region of North Carolina. Since then, the Network has grown relationships with several hundred farmers of color across the Southeast U.S. and some U.S. territories. Additionally, our work has increased in visibility, leading to connections, strategic partnerships, and collaborations with organizations and individuals who are committed to seeing Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) farmers and farms thrive.
FOCN Members Are:
- Farmers of color
- Actively producing
- Located in the Southeast region of the US or territories including AL, AR, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, U.S.Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Benefits of FOCN Membership:
- Eligible to receive infrastructure and other relief grants (as funds are available).
- Eligible for technical assistance services (such as resource referrals, on-farm work exchanges, land use assessments, invitations to Farmer & Buyer Connect events, education about federal, state, and local programs, etc.).
- Access to media, public policy, training, funding, and leadership opportunities.
- Opportunity to be invited to become an Advisor and help shape future ag policy.
- Subscribed to FOCN farmer member-only list.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Farmers of Color Network, click on Member Intake Form below to get started.
FOCN Supporter
If you do not meet the FOCN membership criteria, but you are interested in the FOCN, you can still be a part of the FOCN community as a Supporter. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay plugged into happenings and to learn more about Network farmers.