Community Farm Alliance (CFA) has teamed up with partner Black Soil: Our Better Nature to introduce the Mattie Mack Farmer Fund, aiming to provide support to Kentucky's BIPOC farming community.
The fund is named after Mrs. Mattie Mack (1937-2018), who, alongside her husband Bill Mack, farmed for over 50 years in Kentucky, overcoming challenges and advocating for fellow farmers. She was an influential leader in the Community Farm Alliance and a well-known storyteller. Mrs. Mack's advocacy extended to supporting initiatives like the Kentucky Minority Farmers Cooperative and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives in Alabama.
In response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, CFA initiated the Kentucky Black Farmer Fund (KBFF) through its Patchwork Initiative, receiving support from various organizations. The KBFF supported 52 Black farmers and their families across 26 counties. Now, CFA is seeking tax-deductible contributions to expand the Mattie Mack Farmer Fund, aiming to create a lasting resource for emergency mini-grants and larger grants that bridge funding gaps, complement other funds, and leverage larger opportunities.
The Community Farm Alliance, established in 1985 by Kentucky farmers during the Farm Crisis, is dedicated to supporting family farmers. Through leadership development, community engagement, model programs, and advocacy, CFA strives to ensure a prosperous future for family-scale agriculture in Kentucky's economies and communities.
Black Soil: Our Better Nature, founded in 2017, is a unique black woman-owned business that has invested over $1 million in black farming operations, culinary businesses, artisans, and creators. Their efforts include grants, partnerships, sales, and agritourism activities.
The Mattie Mack Farmer Fund honors a legacy of resilience and advocacy, aiming to uplift and sustain Kentucky's BIPOC farming community.
Photo Credit: istock-nastco
Categories: Kentucky, Crops