Indiana NRCS recognizes the start of Black History Month 2023
Black History Month has become an annual tradition in February and serves as a chance to honor the diverse impact of Black Americans throughout the nation’s history. This includes the lasting impact Black farmers, landowners and communities have had on agriculture throughout the country.
INDIANAPOLIS – In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in the United States calling on all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
In the 47 years since President Ford’s proclamation, Black History Month has become an annual tradition in February and serves as a chance to honor the diverse impact of Black Americans throughout the nation’s history. This includes the lasting impact Black farmers, landowners and communities have had on agriculture throughout the country.
“The story of agriculture throughout America and here in Indiana can’t be told without the contributions of Black farmers and they continue to play a key role in providing the food and fiber the world depends on,” said Dan Hovland, acting state conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana. “The contributions of Black farmers can be seen very clearly in communities such as Lyles Station, Indiana where families have farmed the same land for more than 150 years. The rich tradition continues through today farmers such as Sharrona Moore, who operates Lawrence Community Gardens in Indianapolis.”
Under the leadership of NRCS Chief Terry Cosby and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, NRCS is committed to promoting equity in everything we do and ensuring Black farmers have equal access to all available resources to help their farms.
NRCS works directly with farmers of all scales including urban farmers managing less than an acre of a land to row crop farmers managing thousands of acres of cropland. No matter the scale of their operation, NRCS has resources available to help people help the land and conserve their vital natural resources including air, soil and water while also combating climate change. Through its many Farm Bill programs NRCS has special provisions available to assist historically underserved producers including Black and limited resource farmers.
Historically underserved producers receive priority access to program funding, advanced payment options and higher payment rates to help them implement practices on their land.
“Historically underserved producers have faced significant barriers to accessing USDA programs and services, but NRCS is committed to removing those barriers and providing assistance to all those who need it,” said Hovland. “NRCS has developed a five-year equity action plan and this commitment serves as the foundation of every decision being made under the current administration.”
To learn more about NRCS’ commitment to equity visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/nrcs-equity-action-plan. To learn more about Black History Month visit https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/.