Like many industries, agriculture is facing a racial equity problem. Traced back to slavery in the U.S., systemic injustices involving property rights, financing and other exclusionary practices persist today for Black farmers who make up less than 2% of the country's 3.4 million farmers. Cargill is looking to partner across the industry, from fields and ranches to restaurants and grocery stores, to help dismantle these inequities. To accelerate progress, today the company has announced the Black Farmer Equity Initiative, in partnership with two U.S. organizations, the National Black Growers Council and 100 Ranchers.
The ultimate goal is to work with customers, non-profits and others to help increase the participation and profitability of Black farmers. As a first step, the partners will convene listening sessions with Black farmers, ranchers and producers, to map barriers and prioritize ways to improve market access and financial inclusion, sustainable agricultural practices, support next-generation agriculture leaders and advocate for policies that advance equity in agriculture.