Davids Highlights Support for Minority Farmers during Black History Month
SHAWNEE, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited an urban farm in Shawnee to speak with minority farmers during Black History Month. The group discusses certain U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that help connect underserved producers to capital assistance and other resources — ultimately to increase the number of minority-owned and operated agribusinesses in Kansas. Davids, a member of the U.S. House Agricultural Committee, is currently working to craft a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports all Kansas farmers, producers, and ranchers.
“Kansas is leading the nation in agriculture and that would not be possible without the contributions of local minority-owned agribusinesses,” said Davids. “As we celebrate Black History Month, I enjoyed visiting Adams Urban Farm, a Black-owned operation, to learn more about the successes and challenges facing historically underserved farmers and ranchers in the Kansas Third. Empowering and uplifting Kansas’ diverse agricultural community is crucial for a more inclusive and prosperous future, and I am committed to championing that cause in Congress."
"We are delighted to further foster our collaboration with Representative Davids,” said JohnElla Holmes, PhD, CEO/President, Kansas Black Farmers Association. “We sincerely value her dedication to actively engage with BIPOC farmers, listening to our concerns and championing our cause. Her visit to one of our urban farms is a testament to her commitment, an honor we deeply cherish. We commend her hands-on approach and tireless endeavor to identify ways to support our community."
Davids visited Adams Urban Farm, a black-owned agribusiness in Johnson County, and held a discussion with additional minority farmers to discuss their successes and challenges and how she can best serve them in Congress. Davids spoke on her continued support for USDA’s multiple programs benefiting historically underserved farmers and ranchers.
To prepare for the Farm Bill discussion, Davids embarked on a Farm Bill listening tour, where she visited a poultry and livestock operation in Anderson County, a co-op in Franklin County, a goat farm in Miami County, an organic vegetable farm in Johnson County, and an educational community farm in Wyandotte County. Davids also toured a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, participated in FFA activities at Spring Hill High School, served a school lunch at Black Bob Elementary in Olathe, spoke with industry leaders on financial support programs for farmers, and toured a dairy farm in Garnett.