
Membership
The SC Black Farmers Coalition is a membership organization on a mission to train, equip, support and advocate for existing, returning and budding generations of Black farmers in South Carolina.
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Our vision is an SC agricultural sector where Black farmers of all sizes are equitably represented, have the capacity for competitiveness, and are well-positioned to thrive across generations.
Membership Levels & Benefits
SCBFC Premier membership benefits:
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Access to start up/matching funds for USDA cost-share projects and other on-farm needs (based on Coalition financial position).
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Information on grants, sponsorships, contracts and other funding opportunities.
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Connections to Black entrepreneurs working in agriculture-related fields.
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Information about federal and state laws, policies and practices that impact Black farmers.
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A safe space for Black farmers to share concerns and ideas.
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Monthly listing of produce available, farming-related jobs, land for sale/rent, and equipment for sale/rent/share, etc.
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Discounts at conference and training sessions
Steering Committee member benefits - all premier benefits plus:
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First option for workshop presentations, paid contract work
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Send up to 3 emails each month to SCBFC listserv
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Guide month-to-month strategic plan implementation
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Friends of SCBFC membership benefits:
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Early invitations for event sponsorship
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Invitation to serve as guest speaker for workshops and trainings​
Friends of SCBFC
25$Every monthOpen to all who support the SCBFC mission and vision.Â- Early invitations to special events, sponsorship options
SCBFC Premier Member
25$Every monthPremier Membership PlanÂ- Monthly workshops, special events, e-Newsletter, & advocacy
Steering Committee
25$Every monthSCBFC Leadership PlanValid for 12 months- All Premier Membership, Plus Leadership
SCBFC Premier (1yr)
240$ÂSame as SCBFC PremierValid for 12 months- Same as SCBFC Premier
SCBFC Advocacy: 8 Opportunities for State Agriculture Leadership to Consider and Support
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Acres of land throughout the SC for Black farms in a land trust
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Equity audit of all existing programs that support SC farmers, with specific targets and set-asides for Black farmers
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Regional Black-led food hubs to aggregate crops and get them into disadvantaged markets/communities
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$3 million in continuing education funds for Black farmers ($1,111 per person for 2,700 Black farmers)
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Annual funding for Black-led urban farms
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Black food system fund for South Carolina (investment vehicle startup capital to farms and food businesses in Black communities)
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Acres of incubator farmland through conservation easements
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Regional heavy equipment sharing program for Black farmers
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Pitfalls to Avoid:
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Funneling money for Black farmers through white-led organizations
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Assuming that anyone other than Black farmers can represent us
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Assuming that existing programs are adequate and all that is needed is "outreach"
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Dividing our movement by organizing with individuals rather than the collective
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Assuming that Black people are not interested in farming
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Setting aside resources for "disadvantaged farmers", assuming that will take care of Black farmers
COVID RESPONSE
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