MMFA 10th Anniversary Issue ML : simplebooklet.com

www.minoritylandowner.com 5 Editorials, news releases, photographs and artwork are welcomed. Material received becomes the property of Cierra Publishing Company. Cierra Publishing Company reserves the right to edit all manuscripts and letters for the sake of clarity, style and space limitations. All opinions expressed in Minority Landowner are those of the author and do not necessarily reect the opinions of the publisher or the Editorial Board. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Copyright 2023.Cierra Publishing ComPanyVictor L. Harris CEO and PresidentCierra N. HarrisExecutive Assistantminority landownerVictor L. HarrisPublisher and EditorgraPhiC designerFrench Harris Design Groupeditorial boardDrenda Williams Minority Landowner is published by Cierra Publishing Company. Address all inquires to: Cierra Publishing CompanyP.O. Box 97033Raleigh, North Carolina 27624Phone: 919-215-1632info@minoritylandowner.com www.minoritylandowner.com Twitter: @minoritylandPhoto courtesy MMFA14 Beginning Farmers and RanchersFarmers and ranchers are reaching out for guidance on programs and resources 16 National 4-H Hall of Fame Welcomes Gordon Harvey Gordon becomes only the second Mississippi inductee in over a decade18 Great Vision + Great Partners = Great SuccessA conversation with MMFA Chief Executive Oﬃcer Carolyn Jones 20 Doing the WorkMMFA has hosted workshops covering a broad array of topics 81618

Page 6

6 www.minoritylandowner.com EDITOR’S PAGEAs we enter 2023, the beginning of our 18th year publishing Minority Landowner, I want to highlight some of our work in the year that’s passed, and layout some of our work ahead.I’ll also introduce you to the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA). We’ve partnered with them to produce this Special Edition to recognize and celebrate their 10th anniversary. More on that a little later. But rst, 2022. History will determine if it was the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Or just the beginning of a transition towards the end. We curtailed our traditional on-the-ground in-person events such as our workshops, eld days and conferences. And instead focused on enhancing our website for online learning, hosting a series of virtual workshops, and closing the year reimagining our conference by hosting a three-day virtual 2022 Farmers and Landowners Conference. Our virtual events were well received and highly successful. We covered a wide range of topics and welcomed experienced and knowledgeable speakers. ey included Dr. Heidi Peterson and Nikki D’Adamo-Damery of the Sand County Foundation who introduced a panel of farmers and ranchers participating in their Land Ethic Mentorship Program for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers; Stephanie Payne, the small farms and organic specialist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon; Joshua Coleman, the state outreach coordinator with USDA Farm Service Agency in Texas; Herbert Brown, the assistant director of the Small Farm Outreach Program at Virginia State University; Kiara Syph, an advocacy specialist with the Winston County Self Help Cooperative in Mississippi; and Eloris Speight, director of the Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center housed at Alcorn State University. Also presenting at our 2022 virtual event “Understanding Carbon, Carbon Markets and Climate Change,” we were joined by Michael Gavazzi, the coordinator for the USDA Southeast Climate Hub and natural resource specialist for the USDA Forest Service Eastern reat Center; Mary Powers, a landowner success manager for the Natural Capital Exchange (NCX); and Dr. Adam Chambers, the national environmental markets and energy leader at USDA NRCS. During our 2022 national conference we were treated to a student led panel on the future of agriculture. Samantha Martin, Olivia Starkweather and Soa Martinez all students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley did an outstanding job sharing their perspectives on how we are currently managing agriculture in America. ey discussed their vision of agriculture in the future when they enter the eld as young professionals. ey were outstanding! Other presentations were “Getting Started: A Minority Landowner’s Guide to Forest Management,” by Dr. David Mercker, a University of Tennessee extension forester; “Farm Stress and Agriculture Suicide Prevention,” by Don McMoran, county director, Washington State University Skagit County Extension; and “Standing on a Lot of Love: Planning for Intergenerational Ownership of Land” by Mavis Gragg, Co-founder of HeirShares. We reviewed a USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service presentation, “Characteristics of Socially Disadvantaged and New/Beginning Farmers and Ranchers in the 2017 Census of Agriculture.” By the way, the 2022 Ag Census is ongoing right now. e deadline to return your census form is February 6, 2023. And we demonstrated opportunities in online learning by replaying a recorded presentation on NRCS technical assistance by Veronica O’Donnell, resource team leader with NRCS in Texas. Why do I take the time to show you some of the programs we held in 2022? Two reasons. Some of the presentations were recorded and are available in our video library at www.minoritylandowner.com. You can watch at any time. We’ll continue to increase our online content so visit our website often. We’ll revisit some of these topics through Minority Landowner. Look for our annual Farmers of the Year issue, and we’re bringing back our Resource Guide. Also, don’t miss workshops and conferences in 2023. We plan to get back in the eld with our Farmer and Landowner Workshops and our in-person conference with a focus on both traditional and urban agriculture. Now to the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance Special Edition. We’ve produced Special Editions of Minority Landowner before, where we’ve devoted the editorial content to topics including Urban Forestry, Forest Stewardship, USDA Oce of Advocacy and Outreach, and a Special Edition USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. MMFA is a community-based non-prot organization established by a group of Black farmers led by Chief Executive Ocer Carolyn Jones. 2023 marks their 10th anniversary and we’re proud to celebrate with them and mark the occasion with this Special Edition. Read through the pages and you’ll be introduced to the work they are doing ranging from eld days, youth programs, veterans’ programs, and mental and physical health. I won’t spoil it for you. Grab your comfortable chair, read through the pages and get to know the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance.Congratulations Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance. You are an example of successful outreach, community engagement and longevity. We’re looking forward to following your success across the next 10 years.All the best,Victor L. HarrisRegistered Forestervictor@minoritylandowner.com

Page 7

Page 8

8 www.minoritylandowner.com Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA) has planted many seeds in the Okolona School District. ose seeds have been nurtured and harvested each season. eir involvement has brought growth and an awareness of agriculture to the district. MMFA is a resource to the district, providing support in educating, empowering and equipping students for the future. Lealue Triplett is principal of Okolona Elementary School (OES). She was asked by Carolyn Jones, executive director of MMFA, “What does the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance mean to Okolona Elementary, and what does your school need?”at question, asked two years ago, began the relationship between MMFA and OES. Since then, the two organizations have beneted from the positive relationship in many ways. “MMFA has been extremely generous to OES, donating both time and resources,” says Triplett. “Each year guest farmers have taken the time to present a lesson to kindergarten students and donate pumpkins to the students to take home to their families. MMFA also donated seeds and soil this year to the fth-grade science class in order for them to learn about the full life cycle of a plant through a hands-on method. Students conducted experiments to determine under what conditions the plants grow best. BY JACKIE DAVIS-BROWN AND MMFA YOUTH INTERNSEmpowering Education in OkolonaMMFA STEPS UP TO SUPPORT LOCAL SCHOOLSFuture farmers picking greens inside a high tunnelPhoto courtesy MMFAMMFA youth attending the State FairPhoto courtesy MMFA

Page 9

www.minoritylandowner.com 9 “MMFA has also planted a community garden of greens at OES with free greens for teachers or community members who would like to pick them. e cafeteria cooked some of the greens for students and sta to enjoy. e donation of the community garden is a lesson for students about sustainability and healthy eating. In addition to the community garden, MMFA has donated many items for school beautication. Last year they donated paint for a much-needed bathroom makeover and paint for the covered walk awning. MMFA has also donated school supplies on a regular basis for students in need. “is past summer, many OES students attended camp with MMFA and learned about a variety of topics such as agriculture, safety and careers to name a few. Students were introduced to several dierent careers through guest speakers. ese speakers discussed both careers in agriculture and careers outside of the agricultural eld. e speakers encouraged students to set realistic goals for college and career readiness. “Most recently, MMFA celebrated with OES when they improved a letter grade on the MAAP assessment from the 2020-2021 school year to the 2021-2022 school year. ey provided We Grew t-shirts for the entire sta and students who showed growth or scored procient and/or advanced on the MAAP test.In summary, the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance has gone above and beyond in their partnership with Okolona Elementary. eir support in helping students achieve academically, physically, and socially is commendable.”e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance is a leader in the community. Students and sta are beyond blessed to have the type of support they oer. MMFA has worked to provide whatever is needed to promote success in the classroom and pride throughout the school. One of the rst projects in the school district was the development of greenhouses and the partnership with Okolona Career and Technical Center’s agricultural technology course. Since then, MMFA continued to branch into other areas of need for Okolona High School. MMFA inspired the entire student body and faculty with LEVEL UP t-shirts. e t-shirts detail the school motto and celebrates the increased school rating of B for the most recent state accountability period. Several needed items have been provided for extracurricular activities to encourage students to be their best in and out of the classroom. A scholarship will also be oered to a graduating member of the Okolona Class of 2023, in honor of the late Alvin omas, a local resident, veteran, member and partner of MMFA. MMFA is innovative and serious about meeting the needs of students. If they know you need something and it will motivate the students to become better, they do everything they can to make it a reality. MMFA is not just planting seeds. ey cultivate those seeds to maturity and continue to do so each season.Students join in for arts and crafts and engage with ag professionals at the Youth Field Day.Photos by Charles Harris

Page 10

10 www.minoritylandowner.com Empowering and educating young people are ways the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA) has chosen to help the communities they serve G.R.O.W. (God-Resources-Opportunities-Willpower). MMFA is proactive by investing in youth programs of all ages. By building partnerships with local schools, establishing a 4-H chapter, and creating employment opportunities through mentoring and internship programs, MMFA has wisely invested its time and resources. eir commitment to assisting youth in obtaining the tools needed to be successful has gained tremendous momentum throughout the years. ey are training and equipping youth with knowledge and opportunity, preparing them for the future by modeling things they have learned. MMFA has built strong relationships with surrounding schools such as Shannon, Nettleton, and Okolona. Students are aorded the chance to experience activities that promote healthy minds and bodies through MMFA’s programs. Since the founding of MMFA, a Youth Ag Field Day has been held that not only introduces youth to agriculture, but also expands their knowledge of agriculture beyond farming the land. While students get to see the basics of farming, focus is also on other elds of study including forestry, technological advancements (drones, equipment, etc.), safety precautions, food preparation and much more. Each year schools look forward to attending this well-planned event. One of the earliest activities to empower youth was the establishment of a Youth 4-H chapter. MMFA found that the principles of 4-H aligned with their values and beliefs, while providing youth with opportunities for personal and community development. rough 4-H, youth learn and compete with other youth from across the state to build character and strengthen areas of interest. 4-H has played a huge role in allowing self-expression and developing strong citizenship, which are greatly encouraged by MMFA.Youth ages 16 and up may apply for MMFA internship opportunities. is program has provided students with job and skill training to transition to higher education and the workforce. Interns assist with a variety of tasks associated with MMFA such as helping farmers on the land, researching history and best practices and learning the business side of agriculture.Brooklyn of Okolona High School, an intern states, “For me this is more than a job, more than a title, and more than just an experience. To me this is an opportunity to create my professional network, research experience, build a strong resume, personal growth and more. Being able to help out in the community feeds my soul. I am extremely honored to be able to receive this opportunity to work as an intern for this amazing organization.”Another intern, Zachary of Tupelo High School says, “I love the opportunities this internship has given me to learn about agriculture, which is what I plan to study in college. I like the work and getting to know the people that I am working with.”Samuel, an Alcorn State University student, credits his involvement as an intern with MMFA as a strong factor in his decision to pursue a degree in agribusiness. He says, “Mr. and Mrs. Jones are doing something positive in our community with young people. ey provided me with a chance to learn and grow and connected me with people who could assist my future endeavors. I was glad to gain some experience with minority farmers and hope to come back to my community and make an impact, just as they are doing.”MMFA has also hosted several Young Girls Leadership Camps and reading programs for local daycares. ey have sponsored summer camp participation and various other youth training programs. MMFA continuously seeks ways to partner with local organizations to provide youth with the tools they need to lead productive and successful lives. Young people need knowledge, training and direction in life. MMFA is oering this to youth through diverse avenues. Educating and equipping youth today will only strengthen their self-empowerment in the future. MMFA’s investment in youth produces a positive return today and well into the future. Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance – GROWing the YouthINVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE HELPS GROW AGRICULTURE AND THE COMMUNITYBY JACKIE DAVIS-BROWN AND MMFA YOUTH INTERNSStudents learn about drone technology.Photo by Charles Harris

Page 11

Page 12

12 www.minoritylandowner.com Health goes beyond the physical body. It encompasses the mind, body and soul. Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance (MMFA) believes that partnering with local organizations will aid in increasing the health of the communities in which they reside. Since its founding, MMFA has strived to do this by growing food and making it available for local residents. is has resulted in changing the way people think, feel and act on a daily basis to promote their overall health and wellness. MMFA has partnered with local medical professionals who have provided services and workshop presentations to increase awareness of mental and physical health issues within the community. Information has been shared to promote healthy lifestyles and change negative perceptions surrounding the actions required that can lead to healthy living. In building a healthier community it’s imperative that people are informed and be allowed to make decisions that are best for them. It’s important that they understand the risks and benets of their healthcare decisions. Dr. Vernon Rayford is CEO of the Northeast Mississippi Coalition Against COVID 19. He writes, “e MS Minority Farmers Alliance and community partners have worked through the pandemic to improve the health of the community through education, advocacy and vaccinations.e Northeast Mississippi Coalition Against COVID 19, Project E.L.E.C.T., and the Eliza Pillars RN Association of Mississippi-District 1 partnered together in early 2021 to address the early disparities in COVID vaccination rates and to combat vaccine hesitancy.Initial eorts focused on education through virtual means, church networks and organizations about the optimal ways to prevent COVID including vaccinations. e coalition of organizations next moved toward improving COVID vaccine access which included helping others register and then ultimately to conducting mobile COVID vaccinations with local vaccine providers like Twin Docs Healthcare, LLC. e MS Minority Farmers Alliance hosted the rst community mobile vaccination event in April 2021 at their Shannon, PARTNERSHIPS VITAL TO IMPROVING COMMUNITY HEALTH Building Healthy CommunitiesBY JACKIE DAVIS-BROWN AND MMFA YOUTH INTERNSMMFA members and partnersPhoto by Charles Harris

Page 13

www.minoritylandowner.com 13 MS oce with Hooks Diabetes and Medicine as vaccine provider.From that vaccination event, the organizations have provided over 2700 vaccinations throughout Northeast Mississippi. e MS Minority Farmers Alliance has also been a supporter of events throughout the community recognizing minority healthcare workers and supporting the individual eorts of the partners.”MMFA has also joined forces with the National Council of Negro Women and their national project Good Health Wins, which promotes health awareness primarily among under-detected and under-treated issues arising within the African American community. ey are currently working with the organization to preserve the rich history and legacy of Okolona College. e two groups work closely together to promote healthy living in all areas of the community.Louise Cole, president of the National Council of Negro Women-Okolona Section, says, “e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance has been an outstanding organization to partner with in our community. ey exemplify that working together is possible and produces greater rewards for all stakeholders involved. ey have assisted with supplying vaccinations to our community and helped with other programs and workshops to promote the overall well-being of local citizens. e work that they are doing has been transforming and empowering for all involved. ey are helping to lead the work that needs to be done and walking beside others joining resources to create success.”MMFA has continued to make its mark and it’s exhibited by the sincerity of helping the broader community. eir eorts have been recognized at the local, state and national level. Each January they host the Saving Rural America Farm Conference in addition to other workshops of interest throughout the year. MMFA is not just about saving the land, but also the resources which includes the people. eir continued partnership with local organizations demonstrates their strong commitment to increase awareness and foster healthy actions within the community. CEO Carolyn Jones and her husband Chris accept a farm photo album from the MMFA 4-H Youth Group.Photo by Charles HarrisMMFA members attend a workshop Photo by Charles Harris

Page 14

14 www.minoritylandowner.com The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) denes beginning farmers and ranchers as those who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less either as a sole operator, or with others who have operated a farm or ranch for 10 years or less. According to data and research, the average age of the American farmer is 57. e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance is dedicated to working with and growing beginning farmers and ranchers including veterans. Many beginning farmers and ranchers reach out to the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance for guidance on available programs and resources. e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance continuously accepts applications for membership, and they provide outreach and technical assistance to these beginning farmers and ranchers. Individuals are dierent ages, many between 20-40 years old. e beginning farmers and ranchers members have beef cattle, meat goats, sheep, vegetables, chickens, row crops and forestry. Although farmers that have farmed 9-10 years are beginning farmers per USDA, they are considered legacy farmers to the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance. ese farmers are considered seasoned farmers and they automatically become mentor farmers for the new beginning farmers and ranchers. e program allows participants to have exposure and to attend educational sessions. e farmers and ranchers participate in several programs including training, workshops, webinars, conferences and cooperative extension events. Many have participated in national conferences, including many 1890 Land Grant Institution small farmers conferences. e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance is currently a partner of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program with Alcorn State University’s Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center. is project is funded through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.Participants in this program are exposed to tools and resources to help them succeed in agribusiness. ey participate in educational training models and curriculums that help improve their overall farm production, farm management and decision-making practices. e program educates beginning farmers and ranchers through hands on demonstrations, and by studying topics such as production, marketing, farm nancial management, food safety certication, heirs’ property, estate planning, drone technology and access to USDA programs and services. e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance beginning farmers and ranchers increased participation in USDA programs and services by receiving contracts to construct hoop houses, watering systems, heavy use pads, irrigation, cross fencing, erosion control measures and other conservation practices. ey were exposed to Farm Bill activities and received other technical assistance. One method of educating the beginning farmers and ranchers was a hands-on demonstration on how to inoculate shiitake mushrooms on logs. rough this program, many participants have received Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) certications. Participants learn how to keep good records on their farming enterprise to determine if they are protable and sustainable. e Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance received some assistance through this project to open their rst ever farmers’ market in Okolona, Mississippi. During the pandemic, the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance participants completed the rst online course for beginning farmers and ranchers at Alcorn State University. ey were members of Cohort 2 in the Farm Management Educational Program in the Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center.e beginning farmers and ranchers program with the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance has been very successful. e program proves that hard work, dedication, consistency, partnerships and networking can help an organization grow, achieve longevity and impactfully serve its members.Beginning Farmers and RanchersSTRENGTHENING NEW FARMERS BY CREATING OPPORTUNITIESBY DR. ELIZABETH B. MYLESAssociate Director, Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center, Alcorn State University MMFA members outside The MarketPhoto courtesy MMFA

Page 15

Page 16

16 www.minoritylandowner.com A man who spent his whole life helping others become their best selves is being honored by induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.Harvey Lee Gordon, Sr., originally of Leland, Mississippi in Washington County, served as a 4-H state specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service from 1997 until he retired in 2014. A graduate of Alcorn State University, he came to the Mississippi 4-H youth development program from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.“Being a young black man growing up with limited resources in a small community called Black Dog and evolving to a Sunday school teacher and man of God, he saw the struggles of young people and he wanted to help them become better,” Gordon’s widow, Ruby Gordon said. “at is the theory behind 4-H, to make the best, better.”Gordon died unexpectedly on May 27, 2021.“When you see people in a struggle and you can educate them and open their eyes to positive opportunities, you do it,” Ruby Gordon said of her late husband of 41 years. “He always believed that if I can get you the information and you can digest that information, you can become a better person.”Ruby Gordon said Harvey left a legacy of helping improve the lives of others, starting with his own three sons and extending to his three granddaughters.“He was always such a humble person, and his whole being was intent on how he could help another person become a better person,” Ruby said. “e content of his character mattered more to him than any honor he might receive.”Larry Alexander was an MSU Extension 4-H youth state specialist when Gordon joined MSU, and he described Gordon as a very energetic man who took his job seriously.“He was all about trying to nd the best in people,” Alexander said. “He motivated youth to step outside their comfort zones and do things they probably would not have done had he not coached them.”In his years of working with Gordon, Alexander noted that Gordon never asked someone to do something or attempt something that he was not willing to do himself.National 4-H Hall of Fame Welcomes GordonHARVEY LEE GORDON, SR. BECOMES JUST THE SECOND MISSISSIPPI INDUCTEE SINCE 2011BY BONNIE A. COBLENTZMississippi State University Extension ServiceHarvey Gordon served as a state 4-H specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service for 17 years. He was posthumously inducted Oct. 7, 2022, into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Photo by MSU Extension Service/Kevin Hudson

Page 17

www.minoritylandowner.com 17 One of Gordon’s coworkers who has since retired said that Gordon was heavily and passionately involved in volunteer recruitment and training and the Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association.“He was loyal to the association. He was passionate about the Volunteer Leaders’ Association both in Arkansas and Mississippi, and he believed in the volunteers and that association,” said Rae Oldham, former state 4-H specialist. “How fortunate to do something where you have such a passion.”Alexander echoed that sentiment, saying Gordon “got his satisfaction from seeing volunteers excel in working with young people.”Alexander said the Volunteer Leaders’ Association was small when Gordon arrived, but he grew it to a very large number of active and lifetime members and sound corporate sponsorships.Debbie Carnathan was one volunteer 4-H leader who now lives in Chickasaw County. She has been treasurer of the Mississippi 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association for more than 20 years and has volunteered with 4-H for more than 40 years.“Harvey insisted on inclusion. He did not want to exclude anybody from the experience of the Volunteer Leaders’ Association,” Carnathan said.Harvey knew lots of people and called them by name, she said.“He had a happy, joyful attitude about him, and it is very tting that he should get this honor,” Carnathan said.e National 4-H Hall of Fame ceremony was held in Washington, D.C. Gordon was inducted as part of the Class of 2022. e goal of the honor is to recognize those who have had a signicant impact on the 4-H program or a 4-H member through their contribution of time, energy, nancial resources and more.e last time someone from the Mississippi 4-H program was honored in this way was when Harry Dendy was named to the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2011.Linda Mitchell, interim head of the Mississippi Center for 4-H Youth Development, said Gordon was an exemplary example of the type of person found serving young people in 4-H.“Harvey took the time to invest in each person -- to make them feel special, to let them know that what they did made a dierence -- and by doing this, he left a legacy of positivity and teamwork with our volunteers, our youth and all who knew him,” Mitchell said.Visit the National 4-H Hall of Fame at http://www.4-h-hof.com. Learn more about Mississippi 4-H at http://extension.msstate.edu/4-h.

Page 18

18 www.minoritylandowner.com Carolyn Jones is chief executive ocer of Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, (MMFA), a community-based non-prot organization established by a group of Black farmers who saw a need to come together to preserve their community and the legacy of the Black farmer.Carolyn currently works with new and beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers. She works with communities on issues of sustainability and diversication, environmentally friendly farming, land retention, succession planning/heirs’ property, nancial management, marketing and community development.Carolyn received a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Mississippi University for Women and has over 20 years of experience as a corporate paralegal. Although she has worked in corporate America, her love has always been in farming and community development. She and her husband (Chris) are veteran farmers and have been engaged in farming since 1976. ey currently operate a 200-acre beef cattle farm in Northeast Mississippi. In her work with MMFA she has been very vocal and outspoken in her quest to ensure that Black farmers and their communities have the same opportunities as other farmers and their communities. She has served on various committees advocating for equity and inclusion for Black farmers. Under Carolyn’s leadership, in December 2016 MMFA opened the North Mississippi Agri-Business Center, commonly referred to as e Market. e Market is centrally located at the crossroads of three counties in Northeast Mississippi. e center serves as a community hub for local farmers and other community members. It also serves as an agricultural training center and demonstration farm. During the summer months the center serves as a farmers’ market, providing local farmers and growers a place to sell their produce. At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic the center partnered with 53 churches and community centers in over 10 counties in North Mississippi to provide over 100,000 boxes of food to those in need through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. e Market currently serves as a food hub to provide food to limited income families through a partnership with Mid-South Food Bank. Carolyn is also working to alleviate health disparities within the Black community and currently serves on the board of directors of a community health care organization that coordinates with local health care providers and community leaders to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to underserved communities.Minority Landowner Magazine posed questions to Jones discussing MMFA’s founding and the importance of partners to their longevity and success. at conversation follows. MLM: As you celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance, we see that you have established an extensive network of partners. In the beginning, as a newly formed organization, did you face challenges to persuading companies and organizations to form partnerships and join your vision?JONES: In starting out as a new organization, we had to build trust with our members, and we had to research and assess the needs of those we served before we could reach out to prospective partners. Once we identied those needs, we then had to develop a plan of action. Developing the plan of action was the hardest part because what a lot of people don’t realize is that in rural areas farmers are the community and Black farming communities are in a precarious situation. With all the years of discrimination Black farmers faced at the hands of the United States Department of Agriculture, the deliberate neglect by state government in providing equal support to the Black community in the form of health care, education, housing and jobs. Our communities were left to fend for themselves. So, our plan of action included assisting our farmers and their communities in improving their educational system, access to health care, housing, and jobs. With this plan in place, we began to search for partners. We rst reached out to USDA for programs to assist our new and beginning farmers and ranchers and our existing farmers. We then reached out to 1890 and 1862 Land Grant Institutions to partner with us in providing training to our farmers. We also reached out to governmental and non-governmental organizations that had a history of working to address issues facing our communities, along with local and state governmental agencies and private industry. MLM: ere are a number of other nonprot community-based organizations in Mississippi also doing work to support minority farmers. What has it taken to work with these other Great Vision + Great Partners = Great SuccessCEO Carolyn JonesPhoto courtesy MMFA

Page 19

www.minoritylandowner.com 19 groups, who may be competitors in some ways, when you are all competing for the same nite resources?JONES: I can honestly say that this has not been a problem for us. e need here is so great, that actually we all complement each other. e four agricultural regions in Mississippi as dened by Mississippi State University Extension are the Northwest Region, Northeast Region, Southwest Region and the Southeast Region and we all basically work within our regions. We will from time to time get calls and inquiries from farmers and landowners that are outside of our region or outside the state. We will take their information and refer them to a group that is in the area where their land/farm is located. If there is no representation in that area that we have contact with, we will attempt to assist them. We don’t just pass the buck; we follow up to make sure they are getting their questions answered and the services they need. MLM: You are clearly the face of the organization. To be so eective and to have the longevity you’ve achieved, I’m sure you’ve had a team of others supporting you behind the scenes. Tell me about that support and how important it has been to your organization’s success. JONES: I may be the person you see, but I can assure you that there are lot of great dedicated people working behind the scenes to accomplish MMFA’s mission. In this organization there are no big “I”s and little “u”s, everybody has something to bring to the table and we work as a team to get things done. We encourage our members to bring to the table their thoughts and ideas about what they want to see happen in their communities and on their farms and we discuss alternatives and solutions. We not only have farmers and landowners as members of our organization, but we also have educators, doctors, mental health specialist, nurses, accountants, elected ocials, clergy, attorneys, bankers, parents, grandparents, students and a great team of youth leaders. MLM: Tell me about your members. As you and your team have prolically produced and delivered such a wide range of programs, workshops, conferences and eld days, what has been the response from members and the broader community to your education and outreach eorts?JONES: When you have a group of people with a shared vision, that are similarly situated, and are simply tired of being mistreated, overlooked, and abused by the system it is not hard to eect positive change. What we oer is Respect, Opportunity, Resources, Support and Knowledge. MLM: Let’s talk about your partners. In those early days 10 years ago, is there one particular company or organization that stands out as a big catch? Someone who saw your vision and stepped forward right away to join in? JONES: In two words: FRANK TAYLOR. Frank and the Winston County Self Help Cooperative took us under their wings and guided us through the maze of USDA programs and introduced us to those that were in a position to assist us. I will never forget we wanted to have a farm conference but didn’t have any funds, so Frank and WCSHC funded our rst conference, which was a huge success. We had representatives from USDA, local industries, 1890 and 1862 Extension personnel and a capacity crowd of local farmers and community members. e rest is history.MLM: What general advice would you give to other farm co-ops that are young or just getting started, and specically, what advice would you give as it relates to forming partnerships? JONES: Be honest, know your members/partners and their concerns, keep them abreast of what’s going on with meetings, events, workshops, and programs. Work to build strong relationships and be understanding of others’ concerns. MLM: We will wrap up with this last question. In this article we list many of the sponsors and partners MMFA has worked with over the years. What would you like to say to them as you reach this 10-year milestone?JONES: ank you for sharing our vision! Without your resources and support we would not have been able to accomplish what we have. We look forward to our continued partnership as we work to Save Rural America, small farmers and their communities!MMFA PartnersAlcorn Extension ProgramEmpowering PeopleAlcorn Socially Disadvantaged Farmers And Ranchers Policy Research CenterBroader HorizonsManagement Consulting CreateONEFSAFarm Service AgencyFoot Print FarmsFarm Fresh. City Sweet.Genlra 16 Enterprises, LLCMaking The ConnectionGreenSky GivesHeifer InternationalMississippi CenterFor JusticeMississippi StateUniversity ExtensionmomMeNCATNational Center for Appropriate Technology Northeast MS CoalitionAgainst Covid 19SAAFONSoutheastern African AmericanFarmers Organic Network Southern SARESustainable AgricultureResearch & EducationSquare O Consulting, LLCThe Tennie Group LLCA Tax & Accounting FirmAgricultureUCACUnlimited CommunityAgricultural CooperativeUp In FarmsFood HubUSDA Natural ResourcesConservation ServiceWinston County Self Help CooperativeSaving Rural America

MMFA 10th Anniversary Issue ML

Page 1

Page 2

Page 3

Page 4

Page 5