The National Council of Black Growers Annual Conference 2025

Growers, advocates, agricultural entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered for the National Council of Black Growers (NCBG) Annual Conference 2025 in New Orleans, LA from December 9 - 12, 2025. The theme, “Cultivating Connections- Strengthening Legacies”  is a reminder of the resilience and promise that had always defined Black farmers in America. Members gathered not just to share stories of struggle, but to celebrate innovation and chart a bold path forward.

Attendees included a broad spectrum of farmers -- from young urban growers launching vertical farms to veteran producers stewarding century-old family land. NCBG said during the year it has strengthened partherships with industry leaders, and have worked to ensure that Black farmers have the tools, resources, and opportuntites necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive agricultural landscape.

Farmers, food justice advocates, agriculture and farm services representatives, educators, and agriculture consultants addressed investing in local food systems that keep resources circulating within Black communities, building generational wealth through agriculture, and production methods.

Photos L-R: Wanda and Burdell Muse of Muse Farms; Dawn Mellon, executive director of the NCBG and Sharon Mallory, executive director of the 2020 Farmers Co-op; Rachel Stines of Loves Garden Co-op, Mallory, Dr. Deborah McCullough, treasurer of the 2020 Farmers Co-op, and Quintin Gray, member of the co-op.

Participants left the annual meeting with a renewed focus to:

• Support Black-owned agricultural businesses

• Mentor the next generation of growers

•  Expand equitable food access

• Preserve cultural and agricultural heritage