Ujamaa Farmer Collective has recently secured $1.25 million in funding from the state of California to help Black farmers acquire the land they need to grow their businesses. This funding marks a crucial step towards addressing the historical disparities in land ownership faced by Black farmers.
Currently, BIPOC farmers in the United States own less than two percent of all farmland. A farm in West Sacramento called We Grow Farms, which supplies local residents with much-needed produce, is even facing the challenge of potential housing development on their leased land.
To address the issue, the Ujamaa Farmer Collective plans to acquire land in Yolo County, California using the $1.25 million funding granted in 2022 by the California legislative. The land will be divided into smaller plots ranging from half an acre to five acres. This allows multiple farms to operate independently while sharing resources.
Ujamaa, which means “extended family” in Swahili, embodies cooperative economics and inclusivity. Their goal is to “elevate everybody’s potential so [we] can all thrive,” Hawkins told Because of Them We Can.
Unlike other agricultural collectives, Ujamaa is led by Black farmers who have historically faced barriers to land ownership. This initiative focuses on redistributing opportunities to Black farmers, amplifying their voices, and building a more resilient community.
Learn more about Ujamaa Farmer Collective via its official website at UjamaaFarmerCollective.com
Also, be sure to follow the brand on Instagram @UjamaaFarmerCollective
