In mid-September, the National Farmers Union announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the organization Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, MANRRS. The goal of the MOU, according to NFU President Rob Larew is to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the Ag industry.

Larew pointed out that while roughly 40% of the American population identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color, only 5% of farmers do.

loading...

Larew said this MOU will provide additional educational opportunities for minorities interested in a career in farming, but also help the organization listen and learn from the experiences of others.

“We think this is just good for all of us out there.  As an organization, we love farming, it’s our passion and so we want to share that with others, and create this opportunity.”

Larew added the partnership is a natural next step for the two organizations, both of which have long been committed to racial equity. Larew pointed out this MOU is only one part of their long-term plans to ensure NFU, and farming, is accessible to all who want to be involved.

“Right now, it’s this partnership with MANRRS.  We have existing partnerships with organizations such as the federation of southern Co-ops, which is made up of a collection of co-ops that are black-farmer owned.  And we’ll be continuing to make sure that all the voices out there in agriculture can be heard and that we’re creating opportunities for those whose voice has been under represented right now have an opportunity to be heard and that we can learn from them.”

Click Here to read the entire MOU.




If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network