Black-Owned Farms in the South
Updated: Feb 6
The Southern United States has a rich history of Black-owned farms that have significantly contributed to agriculture, culture, and community development. Despite facing historical challenges, many of these farms continue to thrive, offering fresh produce, educational programs, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Here are some notable Black-owned farms in the South:

Alabama:
• Bridgeforth Farms (Tanner, AL): Established in 1877, Bridgeforth Farms is one of the oldest and largest Black-owned farms in the United States. Spanning over 5,000 acres, the farm produces soybeans, wheat, and corn.Â

Georgia:

• New Communities (Albany, GA): Founded in 1969, it was one of the largest Black-owned land trusts and farm cooperatives in the U.S., covering 5,700 acres. New Communities is a grassroots organization that has worked for more than 40 years to empower African American families in Southwest Georgia and advocate for social justice.Â
Mississippi:
• Freedom Farm Cooperative (Sunflower County, MS): Established by civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in 1969, this cooperative aimed to empower Black farmers and alleviate poverty through collective farming.Â

Tennessee:
• Craig Family Farm (Linden, TN): Established in 1871 by Tapp Craig, a formerly enslaved person, this farm has been recognized as a Tennessee Century Farm for its long-standing contribution to agriculture.Â

Arkansas:
• Delta Dirt Distillery (Helena, AR): A family-run distillery producing spirits from sweet potatoes, corn, and wheat grown on their own farm, honoring their agricultural heritage.Â

South Carolina:
• Dori Sanders’ Peach Farm (Filbert, SC): Owned by Dori Sanders, one of the oldest Black farmers in the South, this 250-acre farm has been in her family for over a century, specializing in peaches and vegetables.Â
Texas:
• Alexander Farm (South of Austin, TX): Founded in 1847 by an enslaved individual, this historic farm is one of the few remaining Black-owned farms in Texas, continuing its agricultural operations today.Â

While this isn't an exclusive list, supporting these black-owned farms in the South, not only honors their rich histories but also promotes sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment within Black communities across the South. Know of any Black owned farms to add to our list? Enter your favorites in the comments.
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