Farms to Grow, Inc. stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of African American farmers and the vital role they play in the American agricultural landscape. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving a rich legacy while forging a sustainable future, not just for Black farmers, but for all who are committed to a more just and equitable food system. Founded in 2004 by Dr. Gail P. Myers, an Agri-Cultural Anthropologist, the organization's mission is deeply rooted in a blend of academic research, historical preservation, and grassroots community activism. It is an effort to re-center the narratives of those who have historically been pushed to the margins of the food system, providing them with the resources and support needed to thrive in a competitive, and often challenging, agricultural world.
The origin of Farms to Grow, Inc. is inextricably linked to the life and work of its founder, Dr. Gail Myers. With a Doctorate in Cultural Anthropology from The Ohio State University, Dr. Myers spent over two decades researching, documenting, and lecturing about the stories of African American farmers, sharecroppers, and gardeners. Her work wasn't just academic; it was a deeply personal and political act of reclamation, giving voice to a history that has often been ignored. In 2000, while still a doctoral student, she organized Ohio's first statewide conference for African American farmers, a pivotal event that laid the groundwork for her future work. This early experience highlighted a critical need for an organization that could not only bring these farmers together but also provide them with sustained, practical support.
Thus, Farms to Grow, Inc. was born. The organization is committed to working with Black farmers and other underserved sustainable farmers across the country, advocating for practices that preserve both cultural and biological diversity. Its philosophy is based on the idea that sustainable farming is not just an environmental imperative, but a social and cultural one as well. By promoting innovative and agro-ecological practices, Farms to Grow, Inc. helps these farmers maintain the delicate balance of their local environment, ensuring that their land remains productive for generations to come. The organization's definition of an "underserved farmer" is broad and inclusive, encompassing Native Americans, Hispanics, other minority groups, women, the physically challenged, and limited-access organic farmers, all of whom face systemic barriers to success in the agricultural sector.
At the heart of the organization's work are its programs, designed to be both empowering and educational. A cornerstone of their efforts is the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. This program is more than just a way to get fresh produce; it is a celebration of the legacy of Black farmers and a direct way for urban communities to connect with the source of their food. Held on the second Saturday of each month, this program allows pre-registered subscribers to receive a bag of fresh, healthy produce grown by Black farmers across California. It creates a direct economic link between producer and consumer, cutting out intermediaries and ensuring that the farmers receive a fair price for their labor and harvest.
Another flagship program that demonstrates Farms to Grow, Inc.'s commitment to community and culture is the Freedom Farmers Market in Oakland, California. Dr. Myers, along with community stakeholders and farmers, facilitated the launch of this market in 2013. Now a long-standing institution, the Freedom Farmers Market is a vibrant space focused on connecting Black farmers with communities in need. It serves as both an economic engine and a cultural gathering place, reinforcing the vital connection between healthy food, community well-being, and historical legacy. The market embodies the spirit of self-sufficiency and communal empowerment that is central to the organization's mission. Dr. Myers has even published academic work on the market, exploring it as a form of resistance and an analysis of a decolonizing food system.
The organization also places a strong emphasis on Agricultural Education and Outreach. This is a critical component of their mission to not only support current farmers but to inspire the next generation. By providing resources and educational materials, they aim to make farming a viable and attractive career path for young people. This is part of a larger strategy to increase the capacity of underserved farmers to maintain their operations and pass on their knowledge to a new wave of growers. This educational focus is a direct extension of Dr. Myers's own career as a cultural anthropologist and educator, as she has taught courses on black farmers at various institutions and consults frequently with community-based and federal agencies.
Dr. Myers herself is a multi-talented figure whose work spans various fields. A veteran of the Air Force, she brings a disciplined and strategic approach to her grassroots organizing. She has authored several articles, including a key piece in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, and co-authored a chapter in Land Justice: Re-imagining Land, Food, and the Commons. Her work has earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including the Advocate of Social Justice Award from the Eco-farm Association. Her documentary film, “Rhythms of the Land,” further brings the life stories of African American farmers to a wider audience, using the power of media to preserve and celebrate their heritage.
The long-term vision of Farms to Grow, Inc. is to continue its work of building a resilient and equitable food system from the ground up. This involves not only providing direct support to farmers but also advocating for broader systemic change. They aim to be a leader in the conversation about food justice, land access, and the role of sustainable agriculture in creating healthier communities. By focusing on people who are homeless and helping to get their voices out there, the organization builds a network of empowerment. The work is not just about farming; it's about justice, dignity, and the profound power of community to create a better, safer world for everyone, particularly women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by food insecurity.
In essence, Farms to Grow, Inc. is more than a nonprofit; it is a movement. It is a living archive of agricultural history and a blueprint for a future where farming is an act of cultural preservation and a tool for social and economic justice. Through its programs, its passionate founder, and its unwavering commitment to underserved communities, the organization continues to grow, nurturing not just crops, but the very communities that sustain them.
