Our
Programs
SAAFON prioritizes piloting, designing, and implementing programs and projects that reflect the needs of our farmers, align with our mission, and are reflective of Black agrarian values.
In service of our farmers
At the core of the farm support landscape are the farmers, who are the foundation of any vision for change in our food and land management systems.
SAAFON leads with this respect and understanding, and works to create offerings that are in service to what we see and hear from listening deeply to our members. The initiatives below represent a sample of some of our programs and projects, which address core needs and benefit farmers collectively across our network.
Our Initiatives
Direct Farmer Support Fund
The Direct Farmer Support Fund is our flagship grant program that prioritizes moving resources to Black farmers in our network. Our three strategic areas of investment focus are: Infrastructure, Emergency, and Education.Â
The Caribbean Initiative
SAAFON has an extensive history of advocacy and organizing in the Caribbean, which evolved into our Caribbean Initiative in 2010. Since then, we have maintained our membership in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and formally reactivated our linkages in the region in 2022, working with partners to co-strategize on the best ways for SAAFON to be in partnership and solidarity. Â
Sustainable Practices and Transitional Programming
SAAFON promotes ecologically sustainable practices, rooted in ancestral land traditions. Through field days, farmer brigades, and virtual and in-person gatherings, we support our farmers in exchanging, learning, practicing, and adopting new skills.
Cluster Organizing and Development Program
Rooted in farmer-to-farmer organizing methodology, SAAFON supports and resources groups of farmers, and farmer collectives to strengthen their connection, infrastructure, and their shared strategy.Â
Southern Agrarian Youth Network (SAYN)
Funded by the Southern Black Farmer Community Led Fund, the Southern Agrarian Youth Network is a cadre of farmers, land stewards, and organizers who are cultivating space for collective work, connection, and intergenerational exchange.
Weaving Wisdoms Project
The Weaving Wisdoms Project was initiated in 2021 to survey and amplify Black educational farms in our network. The objective is to increase their visibility in the national conversations around the need for Black learning spaces in the South, and to drive more people and resources to their farms.
Our Partners
SAAFON understands that we are engaged in work to build a movement that begins with food and land justice and extends to the liberation of all Black people. As such, our work is informed, enriched, and co-created through deep, strategic partnerships.