Statement on Racial Justice and Equity

 

CalCAN and the National Network are dedicated to the equitable distribution of agriculture conservation resources. Public policy and resources should be designed to prioritize socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including small and medium-scale producers, low-income/low wealth individuals, people of color, and women.   

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Addressing Historical Injustice

The U.S. agriculture system is profoundly impacted by the nation’s legacy of enslavement, land theft, the exploitation of immigrant labor, and historic and present-day discriminatory practices around land access and security, and succession. White farmers currently own 98% of the private farmland in the U.S., controlling decisions on almost 900 million acres. Existing institutional structures continue to benefit those who hold land and wealth, while undervaluing and ignoring (or stealing) the historic and present-day experience, knowledge and labor of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) around the world. BIPOC and low-wealth communities are also disproportionately affected by climate change and agricultural pollution.

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Building an Equitable Future

White agricultural land owners—and the organizations that support them—can help create a more equitable food and farming system. Systemic change requires collaboration and partnership to build the political power needed to address the climate crisis, foster equitable land access, create thriving rural communities, promote food sovereignty, improve environmental stewardship and enhance human health. If we are to be successful in creating a truly regenerative farming system, we must center these ideals. 

 

Our Shared Future

Racial equity is essential for all. While climate change impacts divested communities first and most severely, these challenges will extend to all of us. Addressing racial injustice and promoting equity in agricultural practices are essential for safeguarding our collective future. By rectifying these inequities, we build a stronger, more resilient society for everyone. 

 

Our Commitments

 

• Inclusive Partnerships: Listen to, learn from and partner with all producers, including farmers and ranchers of color, to identify equitable climate solutions.
   

• Equitable Policy Solutions: Challenge policies that perpetuate inequities in agricultural conservation programs and promote solutions informed by impacted producers. Collaborate with those most directly and disproportionately impacted by structural barriers, including producers of color as well as other socially disadvantaged producers, who are often the best suited to propose solutions that will work. 

 

• Resource Prioritization: Advance policies and technical assistance that prioritize small, medium-scale and socially disadvantaged producers who are most vulnerable to climate impacts and may lack the resources to transition to more resilient practices.
   

• Recognition: Acknowledge the traditional ecological knowledge and current contributions of BIPOC producers and farmworkers to present-day approaches to climate-resilient agriculture.
   

• Transparency and Continued Learning: Maintain an open and transparent process for continual feedback and improvement in our work, questioning assumptions about what is possible and necessary.
   

We approach this with humility and gratitude, honoring those who came before us and continue to teach us invaluable lessons.

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Last update: 7/25/24

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See previous versions of this statement, here.