In the Spotlight 4

In the rural areas of California, according to the U.S Census, there are
89,000 farmers in California. Out of this 89,000 total farmers in California,
288 African American farmers are located in California (which is less than
1%). The majority of Black farmers in California are mainly in the Central
Valley, (Fresno, Tulare, etc) and the rest spread out throughout California..

To address these concerns, we founded in 1994, The Familyhood
Connection, a 501 (C-3) corporation. Our mission is to promote programs
that bring the generations together.

We realized that many of the Black farmers left were over 60 years of age,
while, younger generations, especially in the urban areas had no interest in
farming. Thus in the next 30 years or so- no more Black farmers! We also
realized that Black farmers (the few we were able to run across) had very
little or no markets for their produce.

California, boasts a 28 billion dollar annual agricultural
industry that ships food around the world. Yet in
predominant Black urban communities within California,
residents find it difficult to find basic fresh fruits and
vegetables. These communities have been defined as Food
insecure areas according to food advocates,
environmentalist, and health professionals. Basically, food
insecure areas mean- no access to food and/or healthy
food…fruits and vegetables.”