The Forgotten Farmer Foundation™ is on a mission to empower, educate and equip socially disadvantaged farmers and farmers in underserved regions. We want to keep the small farmer in business. Agriculture is uniquely positioned to fight poverty, hunger, climate change and more. Corporate agriculture seeks to push farming to become industrialized with few companies serving as farm monopolies. We want to push back. We believe small farmers should be supported to be independent entities which we will call "Farmpreneurs"™. 

 

Lowder et al reported that small farmers produce about 35% of global food supply on 12% of gross agricultural area (2021). In 2021, 89% of US farms are categorized as small and generating less than 18% of US food production (USDA). The deterioration of the environment, especially the soil, weakens the very foundation of the food system, cripples the capability of the farmer plus increases the likelihood for food and other supply chain shortages. The livelihood of a farmer is extremely vulnerable to external conditions outside the control of the farmer. The critical role of farmers demands solutions to bolster their ability to be responsible stewards of the land while working with nature to feed the global population. 

 

Our first objective is to provide virtual farmer education at zero cost to farmers that are members of our community. We will join efforts with select educational partners to design and teach regenerative farming courses. The process will involve helping farmers go from conventional to organic to regenerative farming practices. Being organic is a prerequisite for becoming regenerative certified. Additionally, we will educate farmers about technologies that supplement and complement their ultimate shift to regenerative practices.

 

As a native of a low-to-middle income country, I know first-hand the economic and environmental importance of regenerative agriculture and the challenges faced by farmers in underserved regions. My personal experience with food insecurity serves as an additional catalyst to drive change in this industry.