Only 45,000 out of the 3.4 million farmers in the United States are Black, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Due to systematic oppression, racism and unjust government policies, Feeding America reports that Black farmers have lost over 12 million acres of farmland over the last decade. Their report mentions that the peak of Black farmland ownership was in 1919, with 19 million acres listed as property under Black farmers. 

With 90% of that land lost, the chances for food insecurity, poor health and lack of access to fresh fruits and vegetables increased for Black people. In 2020, 24% of Black individuals experienced food insecurity. This was more than three times the rate of white households.

During his run for the presidency, Joe Biden pledged to bring equity back into farming. NPR shared his statement regarding the assistance he vowed to give minority farmers. 

“For more than 100 years the USDA did little to alleviate the burdens of systemic inequality for Black, Brown and Native farmers and was often the site of injustice,” he said.

Biden then vowed to address multiple lawsuits that have usually left Black farmers without the assistance they deserve. 

The increase in Black home and land ownership and alternative eating habits have caused an influx of Black people venturing to farming or expansive gardening. 

Here are some influencers we think will inspire you to test your green thumb: