About Us
Who We Are
The Florida State Chapter of the National Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association of Tillery, NC organized on issues and concerns of the Black Farmers in the US and abroad.
The Florida chapter of BFAA represents the entire State under the auspice of our national organization. During various times of the year, we have active statewide membership drives through agricultural and municipal fairs, newsletters, radio broadcasts, the assistance of Florida A&M University, and word of mouth.
Our Mission
Our Mission of the Florida Chapter, in addition to national goals, is to educate and train Black Florida ranchers and farmers on the latest techniques of farming for economic improvement and self-independence for economic improvement and self-independence, while promoting and marketing their products and providing cultural fellowship.
Our Purpose
The Florida state chapter of the national Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association organized to support and advocate for issues and conerns of Black Farmers across the US and abroad. Our Vision is to recruit all the black farmers and agriculturalists throughout the State of Florida and offer a support system and marketing tools for international trade and strategic partnerships.
From the newly freed enslaved of 1863 to today’s black farmers, African-Americans throughout the Americas have fought to acquire and maintain land and culture, while encountering crippling obstacles along the way.
- In 1910, nearly one million black farmers in the U.S. owned a total of 15 million acres; by 1969 they held only 6 million acres.
- in 1920, blacks owned 14% of the nations farms; today, by 2020 there are just over 45,500 farmers, representing less than 1% of all farms.
So what happened?
This is where, we continue the story with the next generation of black farmers equipted with modern tools, techniques and technology forging a new frontier in Florida farming, trading and international markets.
Leadership Team
New President Elected – Mr. Courtney D. Wilson
Florida Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association is proud to announce the election of its new President Courtney D. Wilson.
Mr. Wilson has been with the Organization since its beginning and an active Board member. Mr. Wilson is a cattle farmer and hay maker. He is a retired police officer and a veteran of the US Navy after over 30 years of service.
Mr. Wilson plans to expand BFAA’s educational offerings and Community outreach. He plans to be active in sharing his cattle farming knowledge with the members. In addition, he plans to strengthen ties with Florida AM University, the University of Florida, other like organizations and the multiple USDA government agencies.
Other officers re-elected were for vice-president, Dr. Latresia Wilson, Treasurer, Randall Rolle and Secretary, Alice Burton. All Board members retained their seats.
Dr. Latresia Wilson, Vice President
Dr. Latresia Wilson, MD is a emergency medicine specialist in Gainesville, FL. She currently practices at Shands Hospital University FL ER and is affiliated with AdventHealth Ocala. Dr. Wilson is board certified in Emergency Medicine.
Jessica Hadley-Brown, Secretary
Randall Rolle – Treasurer
Board of Directors
Courtney Wilson President
Latresia Wilson, MD
Jessica Hadley-Brown
Randall Rolle
Ronald Burton
Thomas Nichols
Donald Gillum
Abdul Merida
Our Programs
Each month we host programs and workshops, including our youth conservation and preservation camps, healthy food program, bringing healthy food awareness and access to underserved communities.
Farming
- teaching members modern farming techniques;
- advising members regarding new crops.
Financial
- providing financial planning and awareness;
- direct farm-to-customer selling techniques;
Advocacy
- advocating for changes in laws that continue to discriminate against minorities;
- educating members regarding legal issues;