Farming for yourself is one of the most rewarding experiences. Not only can you feed yourself, but farming can help feed your community.
Although Atlanta is a big city, there are some farmers here, a handful of them even being African-American. They are both older as well as super young.
While urban farming is becoming back in vogue, these black farmers are helping their communities on a larger scale by supplying much-needed produce to the area, feeding thousands of people.
The need for fresh fruits and vegetables has never been more apparent than it is today. Cities like Atlanta are pockmarked with “food deserts” devoid of sustainable groceries. But that’s where Atlanta’s urban farmers have stepped in.
Here Are Some Top Black Farmers In Atlanta, Georgia
If you need fresh food in your community, you can find it from your local black farmer. Atlanta, Georgia, has several farms run by African-Americans.
The National Black Farmers Association has tens of thousands of members across the United States, including Atlanta and parts of Georgia.
This article is going to show you some of the top black farmers in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s get started.
Atlanta Harvest
2024 Walt Stephens Rd, Jonesboro, GA 30236 | (678) 653-6246
Atlanta Harvest in Jonesboro, Georgia about 15 minutes outside the city, which makes it a convenient place to buy fresh fruit, tea, fresh lamb and more.
Atlanta Harvest’s market is sourced from Local Lands, a 40-acre organic farm in the metro area.
Order a Farm Box Subscription from Atlanta Harvest.
Metro Atlanta Urban Farm
3271 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 788-2432
The Metro Atlanta Urban Farm in College Park, Georgia, is a certified naturally grown farm, which means that they don’t use synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones or genetically modified organisms.
The small-scale direct-to-market farm offers fresh, organic produce at affordable rates. Shop at naturallygrown.org.
Patchwork City Farms
02 Pinehurst Terrace SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | (814) 503-0310
The Patchwork City Farms in Atlanta is owned by Jamila Norman, an internationally known urban farmer, food activist and mother. The Patchwork City Farms shop has food you can purchase for your home.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Patchwork City Farms. “Such a beautiful devoted young lady runs this farm. Its a pleasure to buy her vibrant healthy produce. She sells at the Peidmint park farmers market every week.”
Shop at Patchwork City Farms HERE.
Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban AG
Truly Living Well operates in East Point, Atlanta as well as Fayetteville, Georgia. Truly LIving Well also has an online shop so you can buy groceries.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Truly Living Well. “My visit was peaceful. I enjoyed sitting in there in solitude. The beds could use some weeding. I’d like to volunteer my time to help with that. I was a bit disappointed that no one was there. 🙁 But, I’ll be back.”
Southeastern African-American Farmers Organic Network
The Southeastern African-American Farmers Organic Network (SAAFON) is a network of black farmers from around the Southeast. Based in Atlanta, SAAFON is a leading resource for fresh fruits and vegetables.
SAAFON’s members are located across 10 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee and Louisiana.
Join SAAFON’s network HERE.
Semente Farm
Semente Farm in Lithonia, Georgia is a small family farm that specializes in herbs and flowers that promote health and wellness.
The farm is on land owned by the Peterson/Stephens Family and was once cultivated by Claude Tedford Petersen, a master grower from the Caribbean.
Want to buy flowers from Semente Farm? Contact them at sementefarm@gmail.com.
Swanson Family Farm
017-01001000, Hampton, GA 30228 | (404) 358-8132
The Swanson Family Farm out of Hampton, Georgia specializes in grass-fed and pasture-raised beef, lamb, goat, and pork. The farm has been in the agriculture business for more than 20 years.
Shop at Swanson Family Farm HERE.
Gilliams’ Community Garden
How Many Black Farmers Are There?
Numbers from the United States Agriculture Department (USDA) puts the number around 45,508, in 2017, the latest figures available. But there used to be nearly 1 million of them a century ago.
Those 45,508 black farmers make up just 1.3% of all farmers in the United States, according to the USDA.
What happened to them has been a bedtime story told in many a rural shack amid acres of lush greenspace.
After years of mistreatment by government officials, including the USDA, many black farmers gave up their land, equipment and turned to other work.
But things began to turn in 1997. That’s when black farmers sued the USDA for discrimination in the Pigford v Glickman case.
The farmers alleged their loans were systematically denied due to the color of their skin.
The lawsuit covered all African-American farmers who operated between January 1, 1981 and December 31, 1996. When other black farmers heard about the case too late, another lawsuit was filed on their behalf.
President Obama’s Administration presided over a $1.2 billion settlement on behalf of thousands of farmers, which gave them about $51,000 each.
Read Pigford vs. Glickman case online.
Interested in other community farm initiatives in Atlanta and central Georgia? Here are some great programs to know:
Atlanta, Georgia Farm-To-Consumer Resources
Locally sourced fruits and vegetables have become as important as ever this year as food insecurity has increased.
In Atlanta, a group of farmers is trying to change that in the community.
If you’re in the mood for a more finished product on your plate, check out our Atlanta Soul Food Guide.
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