SAAFON is dedicated to building a sustainable food system by protecting and preserving African American agricultural heritage through organic farming. We have been doing this work for nearly a decade. By farming organically, we return to our cultural traditions. We also protect our land from harmful chemicals, preserve biodiversity and grow food with real worth.
SAAFON is the first and largest network of African American organic farmers in the US. Our goal is to raise the visibility of our farmers’ enterprises both nationally and internationally. We are a regional organization representing farmers in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and the Virgin Islands. We have more than 120 farmer members and nearly 8,000 supporters — and we’re growing each day!
In 2013, Cynthia Hayes, the Executive Director of SAAFON won the James Beard Leadership Award for her exemplary service to the sustainable agriculture and African American community. SAAFON was born because Cynthia believed farmers could best articulate and meet their own needs. In 2006, Cynthia brought together a group of farmers for a workshop that planted the seed for SAAFON. Today, some of SAAFON’s original members are now serving on SAAFON’s Board of Directors.
We believe organic farming:
- Is vital to the financial success to each of our farmers
- Provides our communities with clean produce
- Protects our land for future generations
We invite you to work with us to grow and strengthen our network of African American organic farmers growing good food for all.
Mailing address: 887 Sonoma Ave, #23, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Please consider making a donation to SAAFON! You can donate online or make checks payable to ISI with “SAAFON” included in the memo.
Mailing Address:
887 Sonoma Ave, #23
Santa Rosa, CA 95404