Rae lives and farms on Barr Farms with her family. She loves cooking healthy food, trying new things, deep conversations with friends, reading, learning, and playing, especially with her three children.
What does racial justice have to do with the food we eat?
Does the following intrigue you?
The history of U.S. agriculture is inseparable from the history of U.S. racism. Indigenous land dispossession, slavery, the ongoing exclusion of racial minorities from federal agricultural programs and support systems, present day exploitation enabled by lack of labor protections for agricultural workers, and disempowering immigration policies are all examples of the ways in which racism has been woven into agriculture on every level since this land was colonized.
We got into farming because of environmental stewardship, raising healthy food and building healthy communities. As we've grown as people, we've been deepening our understanding of racial justice as integral to healthy communities, and a deepening awareness of agriculture's roots in systemic racism. We have a long way to go in truly understanding this. Let’s learn together!
In January, I’m starting a discussion group. Will you join me? Check out the Young Farmers Coalition Racial Equity Toolkit
My vision is for CSA members or farm supporters who want to learn more about racial equity in the agricultural sector to join together and engage in this work.
I will host monthly video meetups to discuss the reading for each month, and possibly… depending on who is interested and what platforms you’re comfortable with… we can start a private Facebook group (or other platform?) to share written responses throughout the month.
Note, I have not done this toolkit all the way through myself yet… I’ll be learning alongside you. But I can facilitate the discussion. I’m excited to engage in this work with you.
If you’re interested, please email me at farmer@barrfarmsky.com
Thanks!
Rae