Investing in Farmland, Investing in Futures
For centuries, African Canadians have played a vital role in shaping Canada’s agricultural landscape. From the early days of Black settlement in Canada to the thriving farms that exist today, African Canadian farmers have faced extraordinary challenges, yet they have persevered with resilience and ingenuity. Despite their contributions, systemic barriers have limited access to farmland and equitable opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Historically, African Canadians were often excluded from opportunities to acquire land due to discriminatory practices and systemic racism in government policies and lending institutions. During the 19th century, Black settlers in communities like Buxton and Dresden in Ontario purchased land and cultivated successful farms. However, many faced violence, harassment, and systemic restrictions that jeopardized their ability to retain their land. These challenges were not isolated incidents—they are part of a broader history of exclusion that persists today.
In contemporary Canada, racialized farmers, including African Canadians, continue to be significantly underrepresented in the agricultural sector. According to Statistics Canada, racialized groups make up only 4.1% of Canada’s farm population, despite representing over a third of the total population, and the majority of these farmers are working in precarious jobs rather than farm ownership. Among them, African Canadian farmers account for a mere 4.9% of racialized farm operators, underscoring the persistent inequities in land access and agricultural opportunities. Barriers such as racial bias in lending practices, lack of access to capital, and insufficient support programs have prevented many African Canadians from entering farming or scaling their operations. Additionally, intergenerational trauma from slavery and colonialism discourages Black participation in farming. Urbanization and rising land prices have compounded these challenges, making it increasingly difficult for new farmers to secure farmland close to the communities they serve. The consequences of these barriers extend far beyond individual farmers. African Canadian households in Canada are vastly more likely to experience food insecurity, and access to culturally relevant local food remains a challenge in many urban centres. Addressing these systemic issues is not only an economic necessity but also a moral imperative. As Karina Vernon, author of The Black Prairie Archives, says, “Food security is essential to the ongoing work of emancipation.”
Land acquisition remains one of the most significant hurdles for African Canadian farmers. Historically, African Canadian and Black communities in Canada faced discriminatory lending practices that prevented them from purchasing and retaining farmland. While explicit policies of exclusion may no longer be in place, their long-term effects continue to shape the farming landscape today.
Towards a Better Food Future
Arnest Sebbumba, founder and owner of SARN Farms in Toronto ON.
Addressing these challenges requires intentional investment in equity-driven initiatives. Programs that provide concessionary capital, rent-to-own farmland models, and targeted financial literacy programs are crucial to leveling the playing field. This is where initiatives like the African Canadian Farmers Fund (ACFF) step in. By offering flexible financing solutions tailored to the needs of African Canadian farmers, the ACFF aims to dismantle barriers to land access, create pathways for generational wealth, and contribute to food sovereignty within African Canadian communities. As part of Inclusive Prosperity, the ACFF is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide equitable financing to African Canadian farmers. By offering concessionary capital, the fund enables farmers to acquire and retain farmland, creating opportunities for autonomy, generational wealth, and community development.
Canada’s agricultural sector cannot truly thrive if it continues to exclude a significant portion of its population from full participation. Ensuring that African Canadian farmers have equitable access to land, resources, and financial support is not just a social justice issue—it is essential for building a resilient, diverse, and sustainable food system for all Canadians. Beyond its immediate impact on individual farmers, the ACFF also fosters broader food sovereignty and community development. By enabling African Canadian farmers to grow sustainably, the fund supports local food systems, strengthens communities, and ensures that culturally relevant food is accessible to all.
At its core, the ACFF is about justice—ensuring that African Canadian farmers can thrive in an industry that has historically excluded them. It’s about fostering a future where land ownership is no longer a barrier but a pathway to stability, resilience, and economic independence.
The African Canadian Farmers Fund envisions a future where African Canadian farmers have full and equitable access to the land and resources they need to thrive. By building a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector, the ACFF is laying the foundation for long-term food sovereignty—where Black communities have control over their food systems, from production to distribution. This means not only increasing farmland ownership but also fostering economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational wealth for African Canadian farmers. Through strategic investment, education, and advocacy, the ACFF is working towards a food system where fairness, sustainability, and prosperity are shared by all.
Your Opportunity To Support
This Black History Month, we have an opportunity to move beyond reflection and take tangible action. The ACFF offers a meaningful way to invest in the future of African Canadian farmers and contribute to a more inclusive agricultural sector. By investing in the Fund, you are helping to address historical injustices, promote food security, and empower communities.
The time to act is now. Your investment in the African Canadian Farmers Fund can make a lasting impact—helping farmers access the land they need to thrive and ensuring that African Canadians’ contributions to communities and agricultural systems are recognized and valued.
Join us in honouring Black History Month by investing in equity, sustainability, and opportunity. Learn more about the African Canadian Farmers Fund and how you can make a difference.
Together, we can cultivate equity and harvest prosperity.
