FCAB works with small minority farmers in the surrounding community to help strengthen their capacity to generate income for themselves and their families. The project enhances the sustainability of families and small farmers in Edgecombe, Halifax and Nash Counties that are amongst the poorest areas in eastern North Carolina and the United States.
The project seeks to increase awareness and education on food and farm issues and support policies that foster a stronger and thriving local food system. Working with our partners including the local Cooperative Extension Service, the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and community partners, the project provides and participates in workshops, policy and advocacy related discussions, summits, information-sharing, and conferences. During 2013, the project engaged in 15 activities including taking three (3) local farmers and one (1) person from the North Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations to Washington, DC to present before thousands at a national inter-faith conference—Ecumenical Advocacy Days that was entitled, At God’s Table: Food Justice for a Healthy World.
During 2014, FCAB has engaged with farmers in several ways: Three (3) area farmers participated at the Bricks Farmers Market and sold their produce at the roadside stand. Four (4) farmers also participated in Franklinton Center Day from 2011 through 2014 by selling their produce at the Bricks Farmers Market. Between September and December, the project will conduct 4 workshops on various topics for small farmers in the area with the goal of enhancing the viability, vitality, and sustainability of small farmers. The activities will be conducted in collaboration with our above mentioned partners.
This project is funded by the UCC Coffee Project, a collaborative between Equal Exchange and the United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries to involve more UCC churches and individuals in supporting small farmers around the world. For each pound of fairly traded coffee, chocolate, tea, and foods purchased through the UCC Coffee Project, 15 cents per pound goes to the Justice and Witness Ministries’ Small Farmer Fund.