BLACK FARMER EQUITY FUND
Since our very first loan made to Vanguard Ranch in January 2019, Foodshed Capital has endeavored to make capital more accessible for all who have been marginalized by traditional food and finance systems.
In 2021, we launched the Black Farmer Equity Fund to formalize our work supporting Black farmers. Although the Fund does not operate separately from our general loan fund, supporters may target funds to Black farmers if they choose.
PURPOSE
To provide Black-owned operations with 0% interest loans;
To provide no- or low-cost technical assistance for Black farmers and food business owners; and
To increase our capacity to support Black farmers through outreach and innovative financing models.
17 loans made to Black-owned operations
$385,000 in loan capital deployed to Black-owned farms and food businesses (nearly a third of all capital deployed)
$60,000+ in business support, training, micro-grants, supplies, and other costs awarded to Black-owned operations
PROGRESS
ARIAN RIVERA
BLACK YARD FARM COLLECTIVE
RALPH MORTON
CATTLE RUN FARM
FUND HIGHLIGHTS
MINORITY + VETERAN FARMERS OF THE PIEDMONT
Provided this organization with a $12,000 grant to support the development of mobile markets for several of their members.
PIEDMONT PROGRESSIVE FARMERS CO-OP
We cover the ongoing cost of packaging materials for this growers cooperative to help them fulfill a food procurement contract for 600 dozen eggs a week to Elon University. Over $5000 provided since the beginning of 2022.
ONGOING NO-COST BUSINESS SUPPORT
Allocated over $4,000 for multi-week business training and coaching for Black farmers with our partners at Kitchen Table Consultants.
VIRGINIA BLACK FARMER DIRECTORY
To find Black-owned farms in Virginia, please see the Virginia Black Farmer Directory. This tool was compiled by our Diversity Coordinator, Bri Stevenson, as part of her work with our partners at Local Food Hub. The Directory serves as a way for Black Farmers to connect with each other, as well as with consumers, wholesalers, and new markets.
MARK JONES
REAL ROOTS FOOD SYSTEMS
THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS FOR THEIR
FINANCIAL OR OPERATIONAL SUPPORT OF THE BLACK FARMER EQUITY FUND:
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING OUR WORK
WITH BLACK FARMERS?