NMSDC Announces Expanded 2024 Acres Cohort

2024 NMSDC Acres: Cultivating Equity In Black Agriculture Program Expands To Include Over 30 Black Farmers In Its Second Year

Thanks to increased support from leading agricultural and food companies Cargill and UNFI, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is excited to announce an expanded 2024 Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture cohort that includes farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American).

In its second year, Acres trains and certifies Black farmers and ranchers as diverse suppliers. Its goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets including commodities, grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets.

Some of this year’s cohort included Jacqueline Alexander from Morale Orchards, Hood River, Oregon, Ina Braxton from I Urban Farm, Covington, Georgia, and Dazmonique Carr – Deeply Rooted Enterprises, Detroit, Michigan.

“This year’s cohort represents the rich diversity and potential of the Black agricultural community,” said NMSDC senior director of strategic alliances and programs, Jetheda Hernandez. “We look forward to the more inclusive and sustainable food supply chain they will help create,” she added.

In addition to a larger group of participants, the Acres program is also growing its learning curriculum thanks to a partnership with the Southern University Ag Center. Farmers and ranchers in the program will engage in a 12-week learning curriculum focused on growing their capacity to take on major national contracts with NMSDC corporate members. After the program concludes, NMSDC will assist them in obtaining MBE certification.

The expansion of this year’s program is part of NMSDC’s ongoing efforts to address disparities Black businesses face both within and without the organization, a major trend highlighted in NMSDC’s 2022 Minority Businesses Economic Impact Report that was released in May of last year.

For more information on NMSDC, please visit nmsdc.org.