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. 🌱

Black Farmer Fund and orgs like ours are crucial to fill in the gaps when the system not only fails us, but works against us. During this difficult time, BFF has continued our important programming, provided scholarships, responded to food business and agricultural emergencies, and more.

Farm School NYC, an urban agriculture education space is facing closure due to funding gaps. Many Northeastern QTBIPOC farmers started their journey at Farm School NYC. Now, the city could lose vital knowledge and support for new growers. Read on @nonprofitquarterly.org.web.brid.gy:

BS: Huge thanks to the Black Information Network, for including us in their recent article, “Giving Tuesday: Non-Profits to Support Today & Beyond”. Read the article here: www.binnews.com/content/2023...

Join us on Thursday December 11 from 3-4pm ET for Impacts to SNAP/HIP for Farmers and Communities virtual skillshare. Learn the importance of food incentive programs in local food and economy and how they are impacted by the current administration. Register at bit.ly/SNAPskillshare. #SNAP

BFF joined Buen Vivir Capital Institute in DC for an evening with social impact leaders and funders, including its founder Alicia Delia. The gathering highlighted a global-south centered vision for integrated, values-driven investing rooted in solidarity.

BFF will join a panel at the Museum of Food and Drink on Dec 11 at 7pm, moderated by author, @nancymatsumoto.bsky.social. Our president, Olivia Watkins, will speak alongside women leaders transforming food systems. Grab your tickets today: buff.ly/LRuGL0W

A special message from BFF’s co-founder and President, Olivia Watkins. To give to BFF this #GivingTuesday, head to bit.ly/give2bff. With your support we can reach our goal of $25,000 this end of year giving season, and continue to support our community. #wegotus

This #GivingTuesday, we ask that you consider contributing to Black Farmer Fund. This year has been difficult for our community, from government cuts to policies that work against us, and more. When the system fails — WE GOT US.

This month, BFF staff gathered in NYC for our annual strategic planning retreat. We welcomed our new team members, celebrated birthdays, and worked together to revise our Theory of Change. We are grateful for this time to grow and build together as we refine our processes that fuel our mission.

We held a presentation and special panel at the Shippan Point Garden Club meeting in Stamford, CT. Panelists, Xel Simone of Havah House and Marcellis Counts of Apian Industry shared their experience working with BFF and thoughts on the future of farming, land restoration, and community building.

Congratulations are in store for BFF Community Garden Fund recipient, Breukelen Houses on their presentation at the NYC Housing Authority Resident Climate Action Grants Showcase. 🎉 www.harlemworldmagazine.com/nycha-climate-exchange-housing-fund-host-resident-climate-action-grants-showcase/

BFF Co-founder, Olivia Watkins was a featured panelist at the #SOCAP25 Real First Movers: How Catalytic Capital Can Actually Take Risks workshop. We want to thank @socapglobal.bsky.social for inviting us to exchange knowledge with fellow impact investment leaders.

We had a great time at this year's Food Funded East! Our Impact Investment Associate, Savannah D'Orazio, was a judge for the Entrepreneur Showcase and Pitch Feedback Panel, where they met the next wave of farm and food innovators and learned how they are shaping the future of food

🌵🌱You are invited to join the Western Arid Grower Network, a free online community for small-scale veg growers in dry, extreme climates. 3 winter gatherings, speakers, farmer-to-farmer discussion, free & open to all! 1st session: Dec 8. ➡️Register: aridgrowers.org/speakers-topics

We traveled to the Finger Lakes for our second annual Investment Committee retreat. We discussed investment process updates, explored the Ithaca farmers market, learned how to cook Ghanaian cuisine. We are grateful for their work towards a thriving Black agricultural ecosystem.

Check out this article by News Channel 13, that features Taina Asili and her recent pilgrimage, Fever Pitch. In September, the artist and fellow collaborators walked 156.3 miles to raise awareness for climate justice and collective liberation. Read the article here:

Welcome Joshua Parkes, BFF's New Development Associate! 🎉 We're thrilled to have him on board as his experience in authentic relationship building and passion in community empowerment aligns with our values and mission. Learn more about Joshua and our team at www.blackfarmerfund.com/our-team1.

🚨FINAL OPPORTUNITY! Applications for the fall cycle of the BFF Rapid Response Fund are due TODAY! Up to $10k in emergency support and $50K for applicants affected by recent government funding freeze! 🚨Apply now: www.blackfarmerfund.org/rapid-response-fund #EmergencyAid

This month, we sponsored 9 Black food actors to join us at the 2025 Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference in Detroit, MI. The conference featured farm tours, workshops, and more! Huge thanks to Black Urban Growers for hosting such a powerful event. We are looking forward to next year!

⏰𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗡 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗔𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱'𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟭 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸! ⏰ The fund provides up to $10k in direct financial assistance for emergency situations and up to $50k for applicants affected by the recent government funding freeze! Apply at buff.ly/P52MmGq

We held our 4th annual Celebrating Abundance in Autumn festival with partners, collaborators, and family at Rise and Root Farm. 🍁 The day was filled with farm activities, music, and of course delicious food. Thanks to all who made this event possible. 🎵: Pullen Park by Sarah the Illstrumentalist

Black Farmer Fund is seeking a full-time Senior Impact Investment Manager to oversee the underwriting, structuring, and management of our investment portfolio. Learn more and apply at buff.ly/RUrlWhK

Black Farmer Fund is seeking a full-time Senior Business Support Manager to oversee growth and the ongoing health of BFF's portfolio of farm and food businesses. Learn more and apply here at buff.ly/RUrlWhK

Check out Invisible Hands, Visible Burden: The Challenges of Undocumented Latinx Farmworkers, our last post for our Hispanic Heritage Month series. Learn the challenges immigrant farmworkers face and how you can support the many orgs working hard to improve their wellbeing and livelihood.