Quick Facts
Name: Community College of Baltimore County & BCFSN Black Farm Tour
Program(s): Black Farm Tour
Year(s): 2025
Partners/Community Collaborations: Browntown Farm (Warfield, VA), Winfield Farms (Surry, VA), Sankofa Orchard (Richmond, VA), Botanical Bites & Provisions (Fredericksburg, VA), The Farm at Kelly Miller (Washington, DC)
People Involved: BCFSN, Community College of Baltimore County (MD)
Budget: $5,000
Funding: Private
Introduction
The Black Farm Tour was crafted for CCBC students to gain insights outside the traditional classroom setting by learning from Black farmers. This initiative reveals the history of farms, farming practices, and sustainable agriculture, connecting students with the agricultural heritage prevalent in Black communities.
Core Values, Goals, and Objectives
Connecting with Black Farmers: Strengthen meaningful relationships with Black farmers by allowing participants to engage directly and learn from their experiences and knowledge.
Exploring the History and Story of the Land: This program offers insights into the history and stories of the land and farms, enriching participants’ understanding of the deep-rooted agricultural traditions within Black communities.
Reconnecting with the Land: This activity encourages participants to develop a personal connection with the land, fostering an appreciation for its significance and potential.
Learning Sustainable Farming Practices: Educating participants on sustainable farming techniques, empowering them with the skills to apply these practices in their communities.
Immersing in Black Agricultural Heritage: Providing an immersive experience into the rich heritage of Black agriculture, celebrating its contributions and legacy.
Approach
BCFSN partnered with CCBC to co-create a significant educational initiative, the Black Farm Tour, which aligns with the mission to enlighten students about the vital roles of Black farmers. Through this partnership, BCFSN played a pivotal role in providing necessary funding and resources in collaboration with partners. This synergy ensured the project’s viability and enriched the learning experience for participants.
Collaborative Funding and Resource Allocation: BCFSN worked tirelessly to secure support and resources from partners like CCBC and Dreaming Out Loud DC, ensuring the tour was well-funded and fully equipped to provide a comprehensive educational experience.
Unique Farm Experiences: BCFSN curated distinct and meaningful experiences at each farm by collaborating closely with Black farmers within its network. These experiences were designed to highlight the history, challenges, and successes of Black farmers, enabling participants to gain firsthand knowledge and insight.
Aligning with Educational Missions: The partnership was carefully crafted to align with CCBC’s educational goals, ensuring that students gained valuable, real-world knowledge that complemented their classroom learning. This approach allowed students to deeply explore agricultural practices and cultural heritage, fostering a meaningful connection with the land and its stewards.
Areas for Action
Expand Educational Outreach: BCFSN is dedicated to collaborating to broaden educational opportunities related to sustainable farming practices. This involves creating tailored educational programs that ensure participants gain a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture and its importance.
Strengthen Community Connections: Building stronger networks between students, educators, and Black farmers is crucial for fostering ongoing education and collaboration. BCFSN focuses on creating platforms for interaction, such as workshops and farm visits, where participants can share knowledge and experiences. This approach enhances educational outcomes and strengthens community ties, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in addressing food apartheid and supporting local agriculture.
Promote Cultural and Historical Awareness: Through the Black Farm Tour, BCFSN aims to immerse participants in Black agriculture’s cultural and historical narratives. By highlighting Black farmers’ rich heritage and significant contributions, the initiative seeks to educate and inspire participants, encouraging them to appreciate and carry forward these important legacies.
Facilitate Resource Sharing and Collaboration: BCFSN leverages its network to facilitate resource sharing and collaboration among participating organizations and farmers. This includes providing access to educational materials, funding, and logistical support, ensuring the tours are impactful and beneficial for all involved parties.
Solutions
Partnership Development: BCFSN leveraged its partnerships through strategic collaboration to support and sponsor a portion of The Black Farm Tour, specifically for CCBC students. By fostering relationships with organizations like Dreaming Out Loud DC, BCFSN secured essential resources and broadened the educational scope of the tour. This partnership ensured the program had a lasting impact on the students and the community, enriching their learning journey and making the tour a vital educational experience.
Tailored Experiences: This tour was curated by co-creating with farmers within the BCFSN network to reflect every farm’s unique qualities and stories.
Resource Allocation and Sharing: BCFSN focuses on optimizing resource allocation and sharing among partners and participants. This involves providing access to valuable educational materials, funding, and logistical support, ensuring that all aspects of the tour are impactful and beneficial.
Cultural and Historical Enrichment: The tour provides an immersive dive into the cultural and historical narratives surrounding Black agriculture. By celebrating the contributions and legacy of Black farmers, the program educates participants on the vital role these farmers play in the agricultural landscape today.
