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Harvesting Opportunities - Kentucky Conference Highlights

Harvesting Opportunities - Kentucky Conference Highlights


By Blake Jackson

The Kentucky Black Farmers Conference, held at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville from February 27 to March 1, 2025, focused on "Harvesting Opportunities: Stay Ready, Grow Steady," emphasizing resilience and sustainability in agriculture.

Hosted by the Community Farm Alliance and the Kentucky Black Farmers Association (KBFA), the event aimed to empower BIPOC farmers and marginalized agricultural communities.

The conference began with an urban farm and community garden tour, showcasing Sacred Earth Garden, West End Women’s Collaborative, and Chango Gardens.

At Sacred Earth Garden, director Velvet Welch shared a poignant story of a sunflower's unexpected growth, symbolizing healing and ancestral affirmation.

The second day featured educational sessions, panels, and demonstrations. Youth from Tate’s Creek Ag Club and Foodchain Agletes showcased their skills, and Duron Chavis delivered a motivational keynote address on urban agriculture and food justice.

A panel on Funding Opportunities, with representatives from RAFI’s Farmers of Color Network, Southern SARE, Kentucky State University, and the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, provided insights into financial resources and sustainable farming strategies.

Breakout sessions covered market access, hemp farming, entomology, social justice in agriculture, and organic certification.

The final day included the KBFA annual meeting, where members discussed key issues and strategized for the future. A real-time SWOT analysis helped attendees identify challenges and build resilience in Black farming communities.

The conference served as a call to action, equipping farmers and advocates with knowledge and connections to advance equity in agriculture and local food systems.

The event's message was clear: Stay ready, grow steady, and keep harvesting opportunities for the future.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr

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