Farm Credit Mid-America is renewing its partnership with Black Soil KY to help strengthen Kentucky's agricultural future. This investment will support programs that enhance market access, leadership development, and food system innovation in Black farming communities across the Commonwealth.
Black Soil KY connects Black Kentuckians to their agricultural heritage through hands-on education, entrepreneurship, and community-driven solutions. The organization has invested more than $1 million in Black farmers, culinary businesses, creatives, and craftspeople—impacting both rural and urban communities.
“Our cooperative is committed to support programs that help today’s agricultural producers while building up a pipeline of future leaders,” said Mark Barker, senior vice president of agricultural lending for Farm Credit Mid-America in Kentucky. “Our community partners play an important role in this work, and it is exciting to see how Black Soil KY is reaching and supporting Black Kentuckians who want to be part of the ag community.”
In 2021, Farm Credit Mid-America committed to invest $200,000 in Black Soil KY over a four-year period. This investment supported programs including the Urban High Tunnel Project, school garden initiatives, and student learning modules featuring Black farmers.
As part of this renewed partnership, Farm Credit Mid-America will invest another $250,000 over the next five years to support Black Soil KY programs that offer mentorship, training, and financial guidance to Black agricultural entrepreneurs, with the goal of increasing their market share and building long-term success.
“We like to think that we’re Kentucky’s best kept secret—working in the background to influence change,” said Ashley C. Smith, executive director of Black Soil KY. “Farm Credit Mid-America’s partnership has allowed us to activate a once-stagnant infrastructure and deliver vital resources where they’re needed most. Our hope is to continue the momentum of providing farmers in rural communities with continuous opportunities to grow.”
Farm Credit Mid-America supports organizations like Black Soil KY through its Community Investment Program. In 2024, the farmer-owned cooperative invested nearly $4.5 million in impactful programs that align with its purpose to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture. In Kentucky, Farm Credit Mid-America invested more than $442,000 in programs that support the next generation of agriculture, and another $124,500 in programs that reach young and beginning farmers.
Learn more about Farm Credit Mid-America’s Community Investment Program and the many ways the Association is impacting local communities and the agriculture industry.
