From February 2023
Ever heard of a CSA?
You might already know that Community Supported Agriculture programs are a way for small farmers to establish a consistent customer base, and for consumers to access fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies from local producers.
What you might not know is the name of the person who pioneered these programs in the United States. Today, we’re continuing our Black History Month spotlight series with Booker T. Whatley, the Tuskegee University professor who started a movement to support small-scale, environmentally friendly agriculture across the country.
Dr. Whatley was an accomplished agricultural scientist responsible for the development of many varieties of sweet potatoes and muscadines. He was also an advocate for the use of environmentally friendly, regenerative farm practices.
As a professor in the 60s and 70s, Dr. Whatley recognized that family farms were struggling to keep up with the large-scale agricultural operations that were overtaking their industry. He also witnessed the unique struggles facing Black farmers, which included discrimination in receiving government loans to keep their land.
He took action by writing his 1987 handbook: “How to Make $100,000 Farming 25 Acres.” The book outlines his model for Clientele Membership Clubs – the prototype of today’s farm co-ops and CSA’s. His guidebook empowered small farmers to move away from conventional advice and develop a unique growing system that worked for them.
So whether you’re a member of a farm co-op or you enjoy picking your own strawberries in the summer, you might just have Dr. Whatley to thank for that special connection to the land and to your food.
Tag your favorite local farm below!
Sources: @ccecornell, @smithsonianmagazine, @motherearthnewsmag, @sowtrueseed, @alfafarmers, @franklintonfarms, Farming While Black by @leahpenniman
