The Farmstand: RAFI’s Blog

When you visit Injertia Manases today, you’ll find a thriving nursery filled with lush cacao, citrus, and avocado trees, each one a testament to years of dedication, faith, and resilience.

The 13th annual Black Farmers and Urban Growers (BUGS) Conference was held in Detroit, MI October 3-5, 2025. RAFI's Communications Project Manager, Hope Ostane-Baucom represented RAFI and shares her experience.

If you haven't seen RAFI's monthly e-news, take a look at October's and sign up if you'd like to receive it in your inbox. In it, you’ll find timely updates for farmers, faith communities, other food and justice partners, and anyone interested in a sustainable, resilient, just food system.

Today we honor Edna Rodriguez on her last day as RAFI’s Co-Executive Director. For thirteen years, Edna has led with vision and resolve — expanding support for small and underserved farmers across North Carolina, the Southeast, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She strengthened RAFI’s financial and organizational foundations and ensured resources and decision-making moved directly into farmers’ hands. We thank Edna for her leadership, courage, and unwavering belief that all farmers deserve fairness, voice, and choice.

For 40 years, Farm Aid has stood with farmers, combining music with a deep commitment to those who feed us. At this year’s anniversary event, RAFI helped carry that legacy forward — training new technical assistance providers, engaging concertgoers in the Homegrown Village, and connecting directly with farmers and allies. Farm Aid has always been about more than music: it’s about strong farmers and resilient communities.