Meeting Recap
Publication Date: April 15, 2024
Last month, the Freedmen Heirs Foundation team heId another successful farmer outreach and engagement meeting in Albany, Georgia. The event featured informative presentations by Bill Green, Executive Director of The Common Market Southeast and TyKeidra Young, Southern Conservation Coordinator at the American Forest Foundation.
The meeting brought together a diverse group of attendees including other industry professionals creating an environment that allowed knowledge sharing, fellowship, and networking. Here are some highlights from the meeting presentations:
The Common Market
- Sells fresh, healthy food to community institutions
- Creates a supply chain for farmers and ranchers who are at the forefront of creating an equitable and resilient food system
- Provides avenues for values-aligned wholesale food procurement, guiding partners to see the full value of the food and its impact on the health of people, community, and the environment
American Forest Foundation
- A long-term resource for landowners to improve the health and value of their woodlands, including expert assistance from forest professionals
- Income from the land that can cover the costs of climate-friendly forest management activities
- A voluntary, incentivized-based option to play a role in the fight against climate change that complements other government tools and programs
Farmer Questions
What crops are The Common Market looking to buy from farmers? Crops include lettuce, kale, turnips, bell peppers, collards, cabbage and more. The list is long.
Are there any required GAP certifications needed to sell produce to the Common Market? Yes, required certifications are GAP and a Liability policy.
What is the cost per acre that American Forest Foundation will pay to plant pine trees on my property? Landowners will be paid $30 per acre.
How long is a contract and can it be renewed once it ends? A contract is 15 years and can be renewed after.
If you are interested in learning more about the programs discussed during this meeting, please contact us at info@freedmenheirs.org.