Kansas Black Farmers Association Supports Growers with Organic Certification Assistance Program

By Claire Sinovic
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Did you know September is National Organic Month? More and more consumers are seeking the organic label for health and environmental peace of mind. It represents a promise that the grower avoids harmful chemicals and prioritizes soil health and biodiversity through sustainable growing practices.
From an economic standpoint, organically grown products generally sell at higher prices than their conventional counterparts. When sold in the right market, that equals more money for farmers. 
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Unfortunately, several barriers exist for farmers seeking organic certification to make a higher profit. This is especially true for historically underserved farmers and small to mid-sized, independent farms. Like much of our food system, many large corporations own or have a share in businesses who tout the organic label. That means they can capitalize on higher sales instead of farmers. 

Here at KC Healthy Kids, we’re all about supporting a strong, equitable local food system that celebrates local growers. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight the Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA) this September. KBFA is a community partner who is working on a project to make sure underserved Kansas farmers have the opportunity, access, and resources to obtain their organic certification and reap the benefits of the label. 

We caught up with Dr. Tammy Counts, Organic Grant Director and Community Liaison for KBFA, to learn more.

Can you tell us a little about the history and mission of KBFA?

Kansas Black Farmers Association, established in 1999, has a long history of working with historically underserved producers. It was founded in the historic Nicodemus, Kansas -- the only remaining western town established by African Americans during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War and is a National Historic Site.

The mission of the Kansas Black Farmers Association is to preserve the Kansas minority farmer legacy through education, promotion of the agricultural lifestyle and collective niche product development.

As you know, becoming organic certified can feel daunting for many small to mid-sized farmers. Can you talk a little bit about some of the barriers growers face when seeking an organic certification? 

It is crucial to acknowledge the importance of urban and rural farmers in feeding our people in line with the present circumstances and many barriers exist for farmers seeking an organic certification. 

Barrier 1: Lack of knowledge, support, and funding for historically underserved farms. 
Barrier 2: Organic certification is too expensive.
Barrier 3: The mandatory three-year transition period leads to lower profits.
Barrier 4: Controlling pests and weeds without the use of synthetics feels impossible.
Barrier 5: Gaps in the organic supply chain make selling organic goods unnecessarily difficult. 

Through this program, KBFA can help dispel the myths some farmers might have about organic farming too. Kansas is home to 59,600 farms, of which only 86 (0.14%) are certified organic, so we see a huge opportunity for growth.

We’re excited about the assistance KBFA is providing for growers to overcome these barriers and obtain their organic certification! Can you tell us more about the program? 

The Kansas Black Farmers Association has been awarded a grant from The Plains Transition to Organic Partnership Program (Plains TOPP), which is a coalition of organizations that provide technical assistance and comprehensive support for both transitioning and existing organic farmers. Our main objective is to offer beginning and transitioning farmers who are pursuing USDA Organic Certification as much knowledge about the field as possible. 

Our program, "Grow with KBFA, is offering a six-week online introductory course, along with Thursday in-person or virtual review, discussion, and listening sessions with professionals in the field for our cohorts. The course, titled "Becoming an Organic Certified Farmer: Urban and Rural", has been specifically designed to introduce and provide farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed as organic farmers.

Thank you, Dr. Counts for sharing this great program led by KBFA! I’m excited for the farmers involved in this opportunity and what it means for their businesses and for us as consumers!

You can find out more about KBFA and all their programs by visiting kbfa.org. 

Support and discover local and organic growers near you by visiting the Eat Local KC Map and KC Food Circle Directory! 
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Claire Sinovic is a local food systems expert, garden educator and former nutrition coach who helps farmers build thriving businesses and teaches kids and families about the value of urban agriculture and buying locally-grown foods. She oversees the KC Food Circle membership program which includes the KC Food Circle member directory, the Eat Local & Organic Expo and the Eat Local KC map.