Black Farmer Fund (BFF) was created by Black farmers who were frustrated with the limited financing options available to them, with the hopes of creating a funding vehicle that would challenge the racial injustices and wealth inequalities faced by Black Food actors. BFF is by us, for us, with a community of 12 Black farmers and food systems entrepreneurs from across the state leading the fund’s governance and making decisions around which applicants receive funding.

This panel will discuss the importance of community wealth-building when addressing intersecting issues of racial justice, agriculture, and wealth inequity. We will bring in different key stakeholders (current borrowers, investment decision-makers, and staff) to the panel who will share their experience in participating in creating BFF’s investment process to share lessons learned.