Sisters and Soil: Honoring Black Women in Agriculture

Written by: Gilbert Barnes Carter III

It is my distinct joy to honor brilliant Black women and other brilliant women of color across our Diaspora who will leave lasting legacies as agriculture, farming, food justice, gardening, homesteading, land reclamation, land sovereignty, and ranching champions through the Sisters and Soil story series.
Ms. Sharrona Moore is a proud native of Indianapolis. She has made an indelible mark as the manager and owner of Nitty Gritty Acres Organic Farm in Elfrida, Arizona. Her projection of her charm and tenacity from her Midwestern vibe is one of many reasons why she is very successful in the agribusiness sector today. She also is an incredibly grateful leader.
"These questions gave me a great pause. I had to sit and think for a while before I could provide answers. I had to carve out time to be still to allow for my thoughts to come to me without having distractions. Thank you for that reminder to stop and find time to listen to yourself!"

What does Black food sovereignty look like to you across Our entire diaspora?

"Black food sovereignty across the African diaspora is about the right of Black people to define their own agricultural and food systems. Some common themes that emerge in discussions of Black food sovereignty include reclaiming cultural foodways. This means preserving traditional farming practices, seed saving, and culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. It means resisting systemic racism by challenging policies and practices that have historically been disadvantageous for Black farmers and communities, such as land dispossession, discriminatory lending practices, and food apartheid. We must build community power by focusing on creating Black owned and Black controlled food systems that prioritize the needs of our Black communities, such as more community gardens, farmers markets, and food cooperatives in our neighborhoods. Lastly, I envision promoting health and wellness by emphasizing the importance of having access to healthy and culturally appropriate food. That is a means of promoting physical and mental well-being."

How are you currently growing your capacity for production at Nitty Gritty Acres Farm?

"Nitty Gritty Acres Organic Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. We have partnerships with multiple small-scale, organic growers in the Southwest to provide members with a wide variety of high-quality fruits and vegetables, livestock feed, and seeds."

Increasing Social Capital: "We plan to bring on additional farmers to grow specific crops and increase the overall volume of produce available. This would allow us to offer a wider variety of items or increase the number of CSA shares we can offer."

Increasing Land Under Cultivation: "If we have access to more land, we could increase the amount of acreage dedicated to growing crops. This would allow us to grow more of our existing crops or introduce new ones."

Improving Efficiency: "Implementing more efficient farming practices, such as using new technologies or techniques for planting, harvesting, and processing, will help us increase yields without necessarily expanding land or partnerships."

Extending the Season: "Utilizing season extension techniques like greenhouses and high tunnels will allow for us to plant earlier and harvest later, effectively increasing our growing season and overall production."

Value-Added Products: "We plan to expand to produce value-added products like mead, tequila, dried herbs, and custom seasonings, which can increase revenue and utilize crops that might not otherwise be sold in bulk. Sustainable growth is also a key consideration for our farm. This means balancing increased production with environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and maintaining the quality of our products."

Which experiences and interests from your background and upbringing in Indianapolis do you use to serve as an excellent businessperson, entrepreneur, farmer, and gardener?

"Indianapolis residents, like many Midwestern residents, have a reputation for having a strong work ethic. That instilled value could translate into the dedication and perseverance required to run a successful non-ag business, manage a farm, head a family, and find time for self-love. It's about showing up, working hard, and seeing things through in every aspect of my life. Growing up, I visited and explored my great uncle's farm. He exposed me to the lifestyle of off-grid living, animal husbandry, and crop production. The farm is where we got most of our food and having fast food was not a part of our way of life. There are strong community ties in many neighborhoods in Indianapolis. That emphasis on community fostered a collaborative approach to business, farming, and gardening. We recognized the importance of having youth involvement, community partnerships, local support, and contributing to the greater good. I've learned the value of community based agriculture programs and became a Junior Master Gardener Leader. I also collaboratively created the Indiana Black Farmers Cooperative. The Black farmers in this powerful network have created four farmers markets in the most distressed communities in Indianapolis."
"Indiana is an agricultural state. I also had a natural desire to want to learn more. I received a Certificate in Urban Agriculture from Purdue University. That gave way to opportunities to visit many farms, learn about crop production, and create a garden myself. That compelled me to create the youth-led Lawrence Community Gardens. We promoted and taught sustainable agriculture, contributed to the local food systems, and created connections between people and the land. I have assisted more than 300 young gardeners to earn certifications on multiple levels of the Junior Master Gardener Curriculum. I also have hosted more than 1,800 volunteers for years. My youth program, Next Generation Farmers, is an offshoot of Lawrence Community Gardens at Octavia's Visionary Campus."

"There is a rich industrial history in Indianapolis. That background could provide insights into logistics, supply chains, and the importance of efficiency in any endeavor, whether it's running a business or managing a farm. I've learned about process improvement and lean principles."

"The African American community in Indianapolis has a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Exposure to this environment at an early age inspires innovation and a willingness to take calculated risks that are essential for starting a business, developing new farming techniques, and exploring new growing methods. Even within a city, there are opportunities to connect with nature. My sensory experiences from being on my farm, in my backyard, in parks, in green spaces, and in local gardens prompted me to nurture a love for the outdoors. I also fostered a desire to work with the land through farming and gardening."

Why are you compelled to teach others how to acquire and expand farms?

Food Security: "I have a desire to strengthen local food systems and ensure affordable access to healthy, affordable, nutrient dense, organic food for communities. By helping others acquire and expand farms, they can contribute to increasing and strengthening local food production and reducing reliance on industrial agriculture."

Economic Opportunity: "Farming can be a viable and rewarding career path, especially with the growing interest in sustainable and local food systems. Sharing knowledge about farm acquisition and expansion could empower individuals to pursue their dreams of farming and contribute to economic development in rural areas as well as urban areas."

Environmental Stewardship: "Effective farm management is critical for environmental conservation, promoting soil health, protecting water resources, and supporting biodiversity. By teaching others about sustainable farming practices, I contribute to a more environmentally friendly and resilient agricultural system."

Preservation of Farmland: "Farmland is under constant threat of development. Educating others about farm acquisition and expansion helps preserve valuable agricultural land for future generations of Black farmers. That preservation can ensure the continued use for food production and other essential ecosystem services."

Community Building: "Farms can be hubs for community activity. I also can provide opportunities for education, recreation, and social connection among our own people. By supporting the growth of farms, I contribute to building stronger and more vibrant communities."

Personal Fulfillment: "Teaching and sharing knowledge can be a deeply rewarding experience. Helping others achieve their goals of farm ownership and expansion bring me a sense of purpose and satisfaction."

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