Cultivating Wealth Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association Inc

April 2026 Issue
Volume 4 | Cultivating Wealth Newsletter

A Message To Our Members

As we move through April and into the second quarter of 2026, we are in a critical season for our community.

There are legal developments, funding opportunities, and structural changes taking place that directly impact Black farmers, landowners, and agricultural business owners.

This is not a time for passivity. This is a time for awareness, preparation, and action.

Our mission remains clear — not only to inform, but to ensure our community is properly positioned to move forward, take advantage of opportunities, and build long-term stability and generational wealth.

📣 IMPORTANT UPDATE – MARCH 26 VIDEO & MEMBER STATUS

We strongly encourage all members and subscribers to review the March 26 video update from President Thomas Burrell, available on our website.

This update provides critical information regarding current developments, member expectations, and the importance of remaining in good standing.

👉 WATCH THE UPDATE BELOW
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CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
 https://www.BFAAInc.com

UNDERSTANDING GOOD STANDING – ACTION REQUIRED

Now is the time to address your membership status.

As discussed in the video, being in good standing is extremely important, especially during this time as the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association continues to move through active legal matters.

Good standing includes:

• Having your membership up to date for 2026

• Ensuring any family members you want included are also current

• Remaining actively engaged and informed

If you have not handled this yet, now is the time to do so.

📅 YOUR #1 RESOURCE — WEEKLY ZOOM SESSIONS

The most valuable resource available to you right now is direct access to information.

That access happens through our weekly Zoom sessions, where updates are shared directly by President Thomas Burrell.

This is where you will receive:

• Real-time updates

• Clear explanations of ongoing developments

• Direction on what actions you should be taking

If you are not attending the Zoom sessions, you are missing critical information.

Weekly Zoom Schedule

• Monday (Onboarding & Support)

• Tuesday

• Thursday

• Saturday

👉 ACCESS ZOOM DETAILS & SCHEDULE
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW SCHEDULE
 https://www.BFAAInc.com
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📌 IMPORTANT REMINDER

If you have family members who are not:

• Receiving the newsletter

• Attending Zoom sessions

• Actively engaged

We strongly encourage you to get them involved.

The strength of our community depends on participation, awareness, and preparation.

📞 NEED TO CONFIRM YOUR STATUS?

If you need to confirm your membership status or update your information:

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CALL: 901-522-8880
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EMAIL: [email protected]
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What Members Should Do Now

To remain in good standing, members should:

✔ Review the official notice on the website
✔ Watch the message from Ms. Burrell
✔ Confirm membership status
✔ Prepare and submit any required information before April 26

⚖️ Legal & Advocacy Positioning

There are ongoing legal matters involving the USDA that continue to impact our community.

However, it is important to understand:

We must continue to pursue available resources while also advocating for fairness and accountability.

The challenges we face are rooted in:

• Lack of access

• Unequal distribution of funding

• Limited guidance and support

If we do not position ourselves to apply for funding and take advantage of available programs, we risk continuing the very cycle we are working to change.

We must do both:

• Advocate for equity

• Position ourselves to access opportunity

💰 Funding Opportunities & Resource Awareness

There are several programs available now, as well as recurring opportunities that require preparation ahead of time.

Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)

Designed to help farmers increase income by transforming raw agricultural products into higher-value goods.

This includes:

• Processing

• Packaging

• Branding and marketing

Preparation ahead of the next funding cycle is key.

👉 VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS
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https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants
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Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)

Supports the protection of agricultural land and helps prevent it from being converted into non-agricultural use.

This program plays a critical role in preserving land for future generations.

👉 LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
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https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/ale-agricultural-land-easements
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Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP)

Supports local food systems and helps farmers:

• Expand market access

• Increase direct-to-consumer sales

• Build consistent revenue streams

👉 EXPLORE THIS OPPORTUNITY
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https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lamp
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USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Provides funding for innovation in agriculture, including:

• Technology

• New farming systems

• Scalable agricultural solutions

👉 APPLY OR LEARN MORE
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https://www.nifa.usda.gov/grants/programs/small-business-innovation-research-program-sbir
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⚠️ What This Means for You

Funding is available, but access is not automatic.

Many individuals are denied because:

• Applications are incomplete

• Requirements are misunderstood

• Positioning is weak

• Or they never apply

Our goal is to ensure that our community is not only aware, but properly prepared and positioned.

🌱 Farming Fact of the Month – Soil Health & Long-Term Profitability

One of the most overlooked yet critical components of successful farming is soil health.

Healthy soil directly impacts yield, cost efficiency, water retention, and long-term land value.

Soil that is rich in organic matter acts as a natural system that:

• Holds moisture during dry periods

• Drains effectively during heavy rainfall

• Reduces the need for excessive irrigation

Healthy soil also supports beneficial microorganisms that:

• Improve nutrient absorption

• Reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers

• Strengthen crop resilience

Key practices that improve soil health include:

• Crop rotation

• Cover cropping

• Reducing soil disturbance

• Adding organic matter such as compost

Farmers who invest in soil health are not only improving current production, but protecting the long-term value and sustainability of their land.

🎉 BFAA Member Recognition and Celebration 🎉

April Birthdays

We extend our appreciation and well wishes to all members celebrating birthdays this month.

Your continued presence, knowledge, and contribution to this community are valued.

Anniversaries & Milestones

We also recognize members celebrating:

• Years in agriculture

• Land ownership milestones

• Family farming legacies

Your commitment plays a vital role in preserving and strengthening our future.

A Final Word to Our Members

As an organization, we are continuing to strengthen our efforts in 2026.

We remain committed to:

• Advocating for fairness

• Providing access to information

• Supporting our community in building long-term stability

This is not just about maintaining.

This is about building.

Building stronger businesses.
Building stronger families.
Building generational wealth within our community.

We will continue to move with purpose, diligence, and focus.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay positioned.

Social media channels:

Connect with The Black Farmers Agricultural Association Inc. on social media to stay updated on our latest initiatives, events, and agricultural insights. Join our thriving community of farmers and supporters by following our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts. Click the links below to engage with us across these platforms!

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to this work and to the strength of this community.

Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association, Inc.