UNFI has taken a particular interest in its diverse supplier base, focusing on Black and indigenous farmers, writes UNFI VP of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing, Guillaume Bagal, in an article written for Progressive Grocer.
More than one in seven U.S. farmers were Black a century ago, according to Bagal. Today, however, a report from McKinsey & Co. finds that the ratio is one in 70. Black farmers represent less than 0.5 percent of total U.S. farm sales.
To address this, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, a nonprofit connecting minority businesses, created ACRES—Cultivating Equity in Black Culture, a program focused on reversing the decline of Black farmers in the U.S. UNFI is a founding member of ACRES and has demonstrated an ongoing financial and leadership commitment to the initiative.
“Our commitment to NMSDC is a critical step toward building a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural landscape,” according to the report. “UNFI’s efforts to support Black and other minority farmers are part of the company’s continuing efforts to promote racial equity in the food industry."
In February, UNFI raised over $12,000 for the National Black Farmers Association, which helps serve Black farmers in support of civil rights, land retention, access to loans, and more. Full Story
Related: Study: Climate Change Drives Food Prices; PCC Community Markets Debuts Inclusivity Program