Black farmers make up less than 1% of total U.S. farmers today, significantly less than there were more than a century ago.
For decades, Black farmers have been disproportionately impacted by land loss, loan rejections, and fewer resources than their white counterparts, Capital B has previously reported.
Since Donald Trump took office in 2025, his administration has cut several initiatives that could have helped some Black farmers maintain their businesses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently eliminated a $300 million grant meant to help underserved producers get access to land, capital and markets. Following publication, Capital B received a lot of questions from readers about how to support, and even locate, Black farmers.
Sharon Mallory, executive director of the 2020 Farmers Cooperative, emphasized to Capital B that communities should buy local.
“That’s my call to action to change your buying behavior. Control where your dollar goes,” she said. “Buy local, buy fresh.”
How do I find specific types of Black farmers and growers?
One resource to find Black farmers in your area is the Black Farmers Index, a free resource created by the news outlet Ark Republic to address the supply chain issues during the pandemic. The products include cattle, honey, seasonal produce, and herbs.
How can I find the total number of Black farmers and farms in my county, state, or the country?
The first place to check is the Census of Agriculture, which is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches. It is conducted every five years by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The most recent Census published in 2022. The data isn’t 100% representative because 39% of farmers did not complete the form. However, it is the most comprehensive data that exists.
Where to find the total number of Black farmers — and farms — in your county, state, and across the nation.
The first place to check is the Census of Agriculture, which is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches. It is conducted every five years by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The most recent Census published in 2022. The data isn’t 100% accurate because 39% of farmers did not complete the form. However, it is the most comprehensive data that exists.
Just click on your state here and dive into the data.
National farmer-led, food or agriculture organizations fighting back against the government or providing direct help to Black producers. (This is not an exhaustive list.)
- Black Farmer Fund
- Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Association
- Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund
- Family Agriculture Resource Management (F.A.R.M.S)
- National Black Farmers Association
- National Black Food and Justice Alliance
- National Black Growers Council
Farmers, or farm organizations, by region
Northeast
South
- Deep Roots CPS Farm – Charlotte
- Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance
- Texas International Farmers and Ranchers
- Texas Small Farmers & Ranchers Community Based Organization
Midwest
West
1890 Land-Grant Institutions (or HBCUS) that support students, rural communities and farmers. (You can also check out the cooperative extension agencies at these colleges and universities).
- The National Policy Research Center at Alcorn State University
- Alabama A&M University
- Central State University
- Delaware State University
- Florida A&M University
- Fort Valley State University
- Fort Valley State University
- Kentucky State University
- Langston University
- Lincoln University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Prairie View A&M University
- South Carolina State University
- Southern University System
- Tennessee State University
- Tuskegee University
- University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Virginia State University
- West Virginia State University
