The Black Farmer Fund (BFF) is a community-driven investment fund that supports black agricultural and food businesses to build a more equitable food system. Created by Karen Washington and Olivia Watkins, the fund has invested $2 million in the first four Black businesses of its BFF Fund 2.0, a $20 million integrated capital fund that aims to build a strong Black food system across the Northeast.
The enterprises include New England Sweetwater Farm and Distillery, Nourrir, Edenesque, and Global Village Foods, a news release said.
New England Sweetwater Farm and Distillery (New Hampshire) blends farming with artisanal distilling. Nourrir, based in New York City, specializes in West African sparkling drinks, made from locally sourced ingredients that reflect the rich flavors of Africa and the Caribbean. Edenesque, on the other hand, makes plant-based milk alternatives, and Global Village Foods Global Village Foods brings the authentic flavors of African cuisine to the U.S. market with its line of all-natural, allergen-free, and ready-to-eat meals.
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“We are excited to support these innovative and impactful businesses through BFF Fund 2.0. Each of these businesses exemplifies our commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture, strengthening local economies, and promoting a just food system,” said Watkins, co-executive director of Black Farmer Fund. “Nourrir, Edenesque, New England Sweetwater Farm and Distillery, and Global Village Foods are advancing their respective fields and creating opportunities for Black farmers to enter the market.”
Black Farmer Fund, which recently raised $11 million of its $20 million goal for BFF Fund 2.0, has said that its mission is to drive sustainable change and promote economic justice.
Its “for-us-by-us” approach “challenges traditional lending practices by placing funding decisions in the hands of experienced Black farmers and food systems entrepreneurs,” it said in the release. “This model ensures that the communities served have a direct voice in shaping their economic future, fostering a more inclusive and just food system,” it added.
The fund’s support to the four Black businesses above couldn’t have come at a better time.
Over the years, Black farmers have faced several challenges including being denied access to low-interest loans, subsidy payments, grant programs, and other forms of assistance.
The Biden Administration acknowledged this in July 2024 when it announced $2.2 billion in support to thousands of Black farmers who have faced systemic discrimination and racism by public and private institutions like the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
