Dear John,

Farm Aid co-executive director Shorlette Ammons writes about the important work she did as part of USDA’s Equity Commission. Unfortunately, like other information on federal government websites, this report is no longer available. But Shorlette concludes that it's the work that has been done that truly matters in the end. 

"Deleting websites does not change the history of the work that has been done; it is now part of our collective memory and resistance and we can still do our part to circulate the knowledge through our own networks of community and resistance even if they delete, ban and censor from the centralized place."

Read on to learn why Shorlette says this month, "it feels especially important to say, Happy Black History Month." And check out her recommended books that uplift the stories and realities of Black farmers.

Farm Aid staff members Hannah Tremblay and Caitlin Arnold Stephano joined farmers from New York and Indiana (the DeAnthonys from today's event) in Washington, DC, as part of National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s annual Lobby Day.

The team met with House and Senate Agriculture Committees as well as members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and other offices to bring attention to the major harms that farmers, organizations and communities are feeling from the federal funding freeze. They also advocated for the upcoming federal budget and the farm bill.

Watch Angela Ferguson of Onondaga Nation Farm talk about the farm and food traditions of her community. She also speaks about food sovereignty and how we all have a role to play in a strong and sustainable food system.

This video aired at Farm Aid 2024 during our press event, where artists and farmers including Angela joined together on stage to share their stories.