About

Join us in Gibsonville, North Carolina for the first-ever Farmer Stakeholder Meeting hosted by Croatan Institute’s REEFS program (Racial Equity, Economics, Finance, and Sustainability). Get ready for an action-oriented day of accessing transformative finance resources, 1-on-1 technical assistance (especially for BIPOC and underserved communities), and dialoguing with diverse actors within our food system. There is no cost to attend, but spots are limited. Register by Monday, July 22!

AGenda

The Farmer Stakeholder Meeting will take place from 12:00 – 4:00 PM on July 25, 2024. Lunch will be provided.

TIME	Event	LOCATION & NOTES
12:00 - 1:15 PM	Registration Check-In & Lunch	Opening Remarks
1:15 - 2:15 PM	Panel #1 – Empowerment and Equity: Navigating USDA Programs for Underserved and BIPOC Farmers and Landowners	Julius Tillery, Freedmen Heirs Foundation // Olivia Plant, USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) // Keith Miller, Farm Service Agency (FSA)
2:15 - 3:00 PM	Panel #2 – Stewarding Land for the Next Generation: How to Prevent BIPOC and Small-Holder Farmer Land Loss for the Benefit of Future Generations	Christina Rice, Land Loss Prevention Project // Ebonie Alexander, Black Family Land Trust // Facilitated by Lori Hylton, Croatan Institute
2:45 PM	Speed Technical Assistance Begins	15-minute appointments
3:00 - 3:45 PM	Designing The Support You Need	Breakout Discussion Topics include: Land Technical Assistance, Capital Needs, Farm Finance Management, and Government Programs
3:45 - 4:00 PM	Closing Remarks & Adjourn
4:00 - 5:00 PM	Speed Technical Assistance Concludes	15-minute appointments

Panels & Speakers

This session empowers underserved and BIPOC farmers with knowledge to navigate USDA programs, offering insights into resources and grants. It addresses unique challenges, recent court rulings, and provides an opportunity to engage with agency representatives. Limited 1-1 speed TA sessions for practical guidance on USDA program applications will be offered during the Resource Fair.

This discussion will focus on strategies and practices to prevent land loss and ensure that land stewardship benefits future generations. We will explore current challenges and practical solutions to safeguard land ownership and legacy, including estate planning and access to legal support. Join us for this vital discussion to ensure that Black land remains a pillar of community strength and a legacy for future generations.

Breakout Discussions

Join us to shape the future of farm support! Share your needs for your farm’s growth and vitality. Break into focused groups to design the service support products necessary for success in key categories: Land Technical Assistance (TA), Capital Needs, Farm Finance Management, and Government Programs.

Discussion Facilitators: