Had an unexpected crisis that put you in financial hardship? Get the support you need with the BFF Rapid Response Fund! Black agricultural and food businesses in the Northeast can receive up to $10k in direct funding to recover from crop loss, theft, and more! Apply by 4/30: buff.ly/YwyD1k2

Join us April 10–12 in Ithaca, NY for the Bridging Land, Agriculture & Communities Conference (BLACC). Hosted by Black Farmers United-NYS, BLACC gathers farmers, community leaders, policymakers, and more to strengthen small-scale agriculture and local food systems. Register:

Welcome Taieshia Hyacinth, BFF’s new Business Support Manager! 🎉  She will be overseeing the growth and ongoing health of BFF's portfolio of farm and food businesses. Learn more about Taieisha and the rest of our team at buff.ly/v0ZVbJy

You have 4 more days to support Community Gardens in the Northeast! 💰We are raising funds for community gardens which feed people, bring neighbors together, and create space for learning and connection 🤲 Donate until March 31st at bit.ly/ppcgf

On March 13, the BFF community was deep in attendance to support Chef and Investment Committee Member, Mavis-Jay Sanders, at the Women's History Month Spring Subway series event at Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson. Sanders curated a specialty dishes including Likker & Dumplings and Berry & Cream.

We were recently featured in award-winning culinary lifestyle magazine, Cuisine Noir. In the article, "Black Farmer Fund Challenges the Gatekeepers of Agricultural Finance", readers explore our organization's work through the eyes of BFF, Investment Director, Myra Marcellin. Read 📰: buff.ly/5KBTDmB

Thanks to the BFF Rapid Response Fund, Glover Gardens can continue their mission to build food sovereign communities in Philadelphia. With the gift, they were able to build 40 secure, rodent and pest-proof garden bed enclosures for home gardeners. Applications open April 1: buff.ly/n96YsXa

Ready to make your farm fresh hot sauce recipe, a new income stream? 🌶️ Learn how to transform your harvest into market-ready packaged goods at our April virtual skillshare, Validating your Value-Added Product Concept, on Tuesday, April 6 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm EST.  Register at buff.ly/wK180w8.

Earlier this month, Black Farmer Fund hosted the 2026 Board Retreat, gathering board members and directors to connect, collaborate, and engage in thought-partnership for the advancement of the organization’s mission and purpose. The retreat focused on org needs, board governance, and more.

Happy Spring Equinox! Spring marks a new seasonal year filled with brighter days, warmer weather, and new opportunities. This season is a time where farmers break out their tools, till their soil, and sow seeds with the hope of reaping a bountiful harvest.

According to the US Dept of Ag, 70% of US farmworkers are foreign-born. However, increased immigration enforcement and deportations have shrunk the workforce by 7% in the past year. Learn more in BFF blog article, The Invisible Backbone of American Agriculture:

Sankofa reminds us that in order to move forward, we must look back at the past. This includes our ancestors who left blueprints and paved roads for us to build a brighter food future. Read our latest blog post about 5 Black ancestors who shape our work: blackfarmerfund.org/blog/sankofa....

Explore how food entrepreneurs and agricultural producers can successfully enter overseas markets at our March Skillskare, Scaling with Integrity: Standardization, Food Waste, & Building Export-Ready Food Systems, on Tuesday, March 31 from 10-11am EST! Register today at buff.ly/rsPBZde.

This Black History Month, learn how credit lending discrimination dating back to the end of the Civil War forced hundreds of thousands of Black farmers off their land. To this day, unfair lending upholds the systems that exploit communities of color for Big Ag profits. buff.ly/MNIjNPw

Sow A Seed 🌱 Feed A Community 🥗 Donate today at www.tinyurl.com/BFFSOWASEED

Last month, we focused on internal communication and workflows at our first quarter staff meetup. Afterwards, we connected over Thai food and bowling. As a remote org, we appreciate these in-person gatherings as they help build stronger bonds and support for each other and the communities we serve.

Our Development and Communication teams recently gathered in NYC for their 1st retreat, where they focused on 2026 events, campaigns, and interdepartmental processes. We are grateful for their work in improving our messaging and fundraising efforts to better support northeastern Black food systems.

In honor of Choose Black Month, Black Farmer Fund was February’s guest speaker for @theamiba.bsky.social monthly webinar series. Watch the recorded event today:

When it comes to food, Black women have transformed the way we grow, nurture, and feed ourselves and communities. This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the past and present Black women in food and agriculture dedicated to nourishing our communities one seed, one plate, and one voice at a time.

Want to help increase access to fresh foods, build educational programs, and strengthen community connection in several northeast neighborhoods? Consider giving to our BFF Community Garden Fund fundraiser and help us disburse 5 more awards to Black urban gardens in the Northeast - buff.ly/lygjZBu.

Agriculture is an integral part of Black history month. 🍎🌽🫛 Black folks have a unique connection to the land, using the land to sustain our communities, keep connected to our diverse cultures through growing crops, and reclaiming our connection to the land.

Today is the LAST DAY to submit applications for the 2026 BFF Community Garden Fund! Up to 20 Black-led gardens will be eligible to receive a $500 award to support garden operation needs and strengthen community based efforts. Apply now: www.tinyurl.com/BFFCOMMUNITYGARDEN2026

We are pleased to announce the promotions of Jared Davis and Sonja Lockhart. Davis is now BFF’s People & Culture Manager, responsible for sustaining organizational internal health and culture. Lockhart is now our Senior Community Engagement Manager responsible for BFF’s programmatic events.

‼️ UPDATE: The deadline to apply for the 2026 BFF Community Garden Fund has been extended to 2/20! Black-led community gardens in Northeastern US can receive a $500 award towards garden needs and community efforts! Apply Now: buff.ly/VOgQ8P9

🚨𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲! 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗙𝗙 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬!🚨 Apply: www.blackfarmerfund.org/rapid-response-fund

MSN recently shared the exciting news that BFF was one of several NY recipients of @farmaid.org End of Year grant. The grant was created to support farms and rural organizations nationwide improve equity, healthy food access, and food advocacy. Read more: buff.ly/NQw551t

Welcome to our new BFF Board Member, Reverend Dr. Heber Brown, III! Dr. Brown is a nationally recognized faith leader and organizer whose work has advanced food justice, food sovereignty, and community-led economic transformation for over 20 years. Learn more here: www.blackfarmerfund.org/our-board.

We recently had our 2nd virtual skillshare of the year, “Everyday Herbalism for Stress Relief,” guided by community herbalist and educator, Emilyn Sosa. Watch the replay on YouTube to learn how to create accessible, herbal remedies to relieve daily stress and more!

Happy Black History Month! At BFF we celebrate Black history’s past, present, and future. We draw on ancestral wisdom on land stewardship, bolster present Black farms and food businesses, and invest in Black futures. Support us by making a tax deductible donation at bit.ly/give2bff today.

For Choose Black-Owned month, join us at @theamiba.bsky.social virtual event on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 1 pm EST. Learn about our work in building a thriving and equitable food system by investing in Black agricultural and food businesses in the Northeast. Register: buff.ly/vvqaWAQ

We’re hiring! BFF is currently seeking an Impact Lending and Relationship Manager to steward and grow our impact-driven investment portfolio and support Black farmers and food system entrepreneurs through integrated, non-extractive capital. Learn more and apply: www.blackfarmerfund.com/careers

📢 ATTENTION: The Black Farmer Fund's Rapid Response Fund application deadline has been extended to February 13, 2026! Our fund provides critical financial assistance to Northeast farmers and food businesses in emergencies. Learn more and apply today at www.blackfarmerfund.org/rapid-response-fund.

The 2026 BFF Community Garden Fund is now open for applications! Up to 20 gardens will be eligible to receive a $500 award to support garden operation needs and strengthen community based efforts. Learn more and apply at www.tinyurl.com/BFFCOMMUNITYGARDEN2026

Huge congratulations are in store for BFF staff member, Alexis Jaya Hutchinson who has transitioned from part time Special Projects Assistant to full time Special Projects Assistant. Leave her some good energy in the comments and learn more about our team at www.blackfarmerfund.org/our-team.

Missed our virtual skillshare, “Preparing for Tax Season”? You can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel! Accountant and business expert, Iris Alma Maganya, shares practical frameworks and strategies to prepare you and your business! Watch today: youtu.be/SByQR0m0TKo

📢 ATTENTION: The Black Farmer Fund's Rapid Response Fund application deadline has been extended to February 6, 2026! Our fund provides critical financial assistance to Northeast farmers and food businesses in emergencies. Learn more and apply today at www.blackfarmerfund.org/rapid-response-fund.

NEW BLOG POST: BFF Development and Investors Relations Director, Olamide Goke-Pariola, shares her experience working in the white dominated fundraising landscape as a Black woman. Read more:

At BFF we carry on the legacy of Dr. King by investing in Black farmers and food business owners who face systemic barriers to success once highlighted by Dr King. We believe as Dr. King did that dignity, self-determination and access to resources are essential. Learn more about BFF at bit.ly/bffws

When disaster strikes, Black agricultural systems are often hit the hardest. That’s why we started the BFF Rapid Response Fund, which provides direct financial support to farmers and food businesses in the Northeast. The winter cycle is now open for applications. Apply by Jan 31:

Learn how to combat daily stress, anxiety, and fatigue with plants at our upcoming virtual skillshare, Everyday Herbalism for Stress Relief on January 21 from 6-7pm. Attendees will make simple and effective calming aids using common kitchen herbs! Register: tinyurl.com/STRESSRELIEFSKILLSHARE

Do taxes stress you out? Gain tools and confidence at our January virtual skillshare, Preparing for Tax Season. Join us on Thursday, January 15 2026, from 3–4 pm EST* and learn strategies business owners can use to tackle the upcoming tax season. Register today: buff.ly/HOozGMY.

We are in awe of the ways our community has shown up for each other. Our ecosystem is full of visionaries, community workers, and brilliant food actors making our food system more just and healthy. There's still time to give a tax-deductible gift before the year ends: bit.ly/give2bff. #wegotus

David Haughton of Trinity Farm lost 60% of his market revenue after the USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance program was terminated—an example of how federal policy shifts and funding cuts are disproportionately harming small, minority farmers nationwide. Read more via @TheGrio

The Black food system is constantly evolving. Our bi-monthly report highlights current and historical moments shaping our food system and impacting Black communities. This edition covers Black farmers, land justice, systemic racism, policy setbacks, and what’s ahead for BFF in 2026. bit.ly/fsrbff1

Black Farmer Fund was co-founded by Karen Washington, whose lifelong commitment to food justice and community is rooted in a powerful legacy of Black food leaders who make it happen. As the year winds down, your support helps keep our programs strong. Consider giving to BFF: bit.ly/give2bff

Last week, we hosted our virtual skillshare, Impacts to SNAP/HIP for Farmers and Communities, with @CISA_food, highlighting why food incentive programs matter for families, farmers, and local economies Huge thanks to Clarissa & Jim for sharing their expertise. Watch the replay: youtu.be/IpFRv8vAIxI

On Dec 16, the BFF team came together to reflect on the milestones of 2025, celebrate big wins, and plant seeds—literally and figuratively—for the growth ahead in 2026 We closed the day at FIELDTRIP by Chef JJ Johnson, sharing great food, stories, and gratitude with our team and their families. 🤎✨

Happy Winter Solstice! ❄️ As the darkness grows, winter begins. Farmers use this time for indoor tasks, rest, and reflection on the past season. Follow their lead! Take moments to rest, reflect, and refine this winter. What goals did you nurture this year? Share your reflections below.

BFF is taking a holiday break from Dec 22rd to Jan 1st. Our offices will be closed, but our website remains open for info and donations. Thank you for your support! We'll be back on Jan 2nd, 2026. See you next year!

BFF joined a powerful panel at @MOFADorg BFF President, Olivia Watkins, spoke alongside fellow changemakers building regenerative, community-centered food systems. Grateful to @MOFADorg for creating space for this critical conversation on equity, financing, and the future of our food systems. 🌱