By Blake Jackson
Providence Farm Collective (PFC), a local nonprofit connecting underserved communities with rural farmland, is appealing for the termination of its federal funding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently ruled that the group’s Incubator Farm Program was “a DEI initiative and, therefore, discriminatory and unconstitutional.”
PFC strongly opposes this decision and filed an official appeal on May 15. Executive Director Kristin Heltman-Weiss stated the USDA’s determination included “no factual findings.” She emphasized that the program is focused on providing fair farmland access, shared tools, and essential resources for new-entry farmers—many of whom are immigrants or from minority backgrounds.
On a recent NPR segment of ‘What’s Next?’ hosted by BTPM, PFC expressed concerns about the far-reaching impact of the funding cut. Leaders shared that without the federal grant, their mission to support farming opportunities and food security for local communities could be severely disrupted.
According to its website, Providence Farm Collective operates the only incubator farm program in New York State west of Ithaca. The organization began in 2017 as a three-year pilot program known as the Somali Bantu Community Farm. Since then, it has expanded to serve various cultural communities, now including 30 active farms and over 200 participating farmers.
The nonprofit has donated more than 10,000 pounds of fresh produce to families in need, illustrating its commitment to food access and agricultural education.
PFC’s leaders are urging federal officials to reconsider the grant decision and continue supporting small-scale, community-based farming efforts that foster inclusion and sustainability.
This appeal brings attention to the critical role of incubator farm programs in promoting food equity and helping beginning farmers succeed in rural areas.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: New York, Business