The Farmstand: RAFI’s Blog

Pollinators are essential for maintaining ecosystems. The NC Seed Stewards project supports pollinator habitats by partnering with RAFI's Farmers of Color Network members to grow and harvest NC ecotype wildflowers, enhancing biodiversity and creating market opportunities.

From February 27 to March 1, 2025, the Kentucky Black Farmers Conference took center stage at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference provided a platform for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) farmers and marginalized agricultural communities to connect, share knowledge, and advocate for a more equitable food system.

Lewis, a 2024 recipient of a RAFI Infrastructure Grant, has been using his funding to build chicken coops, taking a critical step toward integrating livestock into his farm’s operations. His goal is to foster a regenerative farming system by utilizing chicken scratch and manure to naturally fertilize the soil, creating a closed-loop system that nourishes the land while producing fresh eggs for the community at an affordable price.

Producers should bring evidence of ownership, or photos of damaged or lost tools and equipment, along with estimated replacement costs to expedite their application. Producers can visit one of four locations on their designated day to get assistance