SPRING 2024 @ CARTER FARMS

Climate and Health Equity Webinar Series.

Healthy and nutritious food has a pivotal impact on health; therefore, understanding the connection between soil, plant, and human health and exploring ways to improve food quality and equitable access is crucial in discussions about climate and health equity.

In this webinar, Dr. Nicole Nunoo, a Postdoctoral Associate and transdisciplinary social scientist from the University of Georgia, will present research on creating sustainable regional and national food systems through grassroots participation and solutions like prescription programs.

Michael Carter Jr., a fifth-generation farmer from Carter Farms in Virginia, will share his perspective on the interconnectedness of soil, plant, and human health. He will also discuss regenerative farming from an African cultural viewpoint and the role of medical professionals in this space.

Event: Juneteenth 2024

Join us as we commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who valiantly fought for the freedom of all in this country through our Juneteenth commemoration and reggae concert on Saturday June 15, from 10 am - 7 pm at Sweet Vines Farm Winery , located on 14376 Tower Road Unionville, VA 22567.

Then on Wednesday June 19, at the Orange County African American historic society from 11-3pm.

The African American Heritage Alliance (AAHA).

On June 1,The African American Heritage Alliance had an informative and fun outing at Carter Farms.

The African American Heritage Alliance (AAHA) was formed to raise awareness of Culpeper’s African American heritage through education, research, preservation, and promotion. 

Honoring Malcom X

OurSpace World’s, black food black futures staff came out to volunteer at Carter Farms and Sweet Vines Winery in honor of Malcolm X’s birthday. The weekend was filled with sharing, camping, planting, and envisioning coupled with a few glasses of incredible wines.

Over the course of 27 hours, the team planted 100 grapevines, tarped numerous rows, cultivated a diverse array of crops ranging from pineapples to taros to bambaro beans and teff, and diligently tended to a high tunnel. This dynamic partnership exemplifies a dedication to community engagement and sustainable farming practices, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the Black Land Brigade. Medasse OurSpace World, Black Food Black Futures and Sweet Vines Farm Winery.

Enhancing Farm Safety!

While engaging with the Black Land Brigade, everyone was reminded of the importance of farm safety as our Director Michael Carter Jr, experienced a freak accident while ringing the 60 year old (40 lb) bell to call everyone for lunch.

The bell flew off its post and struck Michael in the head, shin and foot, resulting in 10 stitches and a broken toe.

It’s was reminder to Michael and everyone else present and connected to Carter Farms to ensure your farm safety plan is in tact. Having a full and functional first aid kit, that is clearly marked and easily accessible was critical to providing aid quickly until the ambulance arrived.

While laying on the ground, Michael had a chance to reflect on making sure your affairs are in order as no man knows the day or the hour of transitioning from this realm into the next.

Things to focus on:

• Let’s make sure we do monthly safety checks on our farms.

• Ensure that your farm/business operation has a well stocked first aid kit(s).

• Have up to date health insurance.

• Let others know where we are when we are working alone,

• Have an accessible, notarized, and updated will (and/or trust) and someone close to you knows where it is. Find more information here (TrustandWill) and the (Black Family Land Trust)

• Be safe, and get medical attention if you need it, specifically for head wounds.

Building a Will or Trust?

Interested in learning more on how to acquire a will or trust. Follow the links below to learn more.

Ask for assistance for others or organizations using this email michaelj@thecarterfarms.com

Or if you need financial assistance to aid in acquiring these things.

Teaching and Learning Africulture

UVA Lifetime Learning.

NRCS Conservation Webinar on June 20th.

We know voluntary conservation efforts support pollinators, but can we quantify those conservation outcomes? Do voluntary practices reach pollinators in areas of habitat loss? How do we maximize benefits? During National Pollinator Week, NRCS will host a Conservation Outcomes Webinar that answers these questions and more. We hope you’ll join us, and help spread the word!

On June 20 at 2:00 p.m. eastern, Dr. Elissa Olimpi will share findings on the value of pollinator practices applied through voluntary conservation programs including NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program and FSA’s Conservation Reserve Program. This free, one-hour webinar will answer a suite of questions addressed in a recent study conducted by Virginia Tech in collaboration with the NRCS-led Conservation Effects Assessment Project, including on the effectiveness of these programs in supporting pollinators and strategies to increase benefits

Findings may be used by NRCS staff, agricultural producers and other land managers, conservation partners, and researchers to prioritize conservation efforts that deliver the greatest benefits to pollinators and production agriculture across the U.S.

Important Contacts

Farm Service Agency Call Center

Farmers and ranchers can contact a call center to receive one-on-one assistance from USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees ready to help. By calling 877-508-8364 customers can ask questions about FSA programs.

The call center was created as a way to better serve customers, especially those who have not worked with FSA previously.

Customers who contact the call center can expect to receive the same great service they would receive as if they were in their FSA county office.

FSA Call Center staff can also provide service to non-English speaking customeras. Customers using the call center will still call 877-508-8364 and select 1 for English and 2 to speak with a Spanish-speaking employee. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the call center staff.

The call center is just one of many ways USDA has adjusted and added flexibilities to meet the needs of our customers. One thing remains the same, USDA stands committed to offering exceptional customer service to our nation’s farmers and ranchers.