Michigan State University’s Center for Regional Food Systems is launching a free virtual learning series for farm producers of color.
The program is called Farm Business Record Keeping for the Global Majority. MSU’s food and farm business specialist, Maria Graziani, told WGVU it’s an opportunity to invest in and hear from producers who have historically been discriminated against in agriculture.
“Going from slavery and share cropping in agriculture and how that trauma affects Black and Brown farmers and the way that they’re reclaiming the art and science of producing food and helping farmers heal through that generational trauma,” Graziani said when explaining themes of the program.
The six-month course is a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency, along with local farming organizations like the South East Market in Grand Rapids. The program arms farmers with skill sets to grow, finance and market their business. MSU will also offer a $500 stipend to participants at the end of the program, to compensate producers for their time.
“There’s a long history of injustice and inequitable practices, and farmers of color often do not trust building financial and programmatic relationships with government entities. They very often bootstrap their farm businesses for years, and we want to be sure we have a platform to discuss safely and openly the history and the farmers thoughts and opinions.”
This marks MSU’s second year offering this program. Graziani said last year the group saw an overwhelming amount of participants and had to create a waitlist. She told WGVU she hopes this second round will enable more producers to get involved.
The course starts in May and is open to any operational farm business in the state. Registration ends November 28th.
