2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference

Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference

The Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference returns this fall for three days of connection, learning, and action! Under this year’s theme—Farming Forward—we’ll highlight resilience, cooperative economics, and the future of Black-led agriculture across our region.

Join farmers, researchers, policymakers, chefs, students, advocates and community leaders for a powerful gathering that strengthens our collective voice and builds the food system we deserve.

• Pre-Conference Day (Thu, Oct 9): Screening of Rhythms of the Land followed by a plenary panel discussion on the past, present, and future of Black agrarian traditions.
• Day 1 (Fri, Oct 10): HBCU Farmers Market at Coppin State University + Baltimore Urban Farm Bus Tour showcasing innovative, Black-led farms.
• Day 2 (Sat, Oct 11): Full conference program with keynotes, breakout sessions, exhibitor hall, policy plenary, and the Evening Awards Dinner & Celebration.

• Farmers and producers
• Food entrepreneurs and chefs
• Students, researchers, and educators
• Policymakers and advocates
• Community leaders and congregations invested in food and land justice

• Learn practical tools for farm and business growth
• Network with 200+ farmers, buyers, and advocates from across the Mid-Atlantic
• Access resources from USDA, NRCS, Extension, and lenders
• Celebrate collective progress and chart new paths forward

Early Bird Registration is available now through September 15, 2025 – don’t miss your chance to secure your spot at the best rate.

(*Access to the HBCU Black Farmers Market on 10/10 is free and open to the public)

Full Conference Pass – Member Admission: Discounted admission for active members of the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus. Includes access to all sessions, exhibitors, and meals on October 11 (Day 2), Baltimore Urban Farm Tour Bus Ticket + boxed lunch on October 10 (Day 1), plus entry to the MABFC Evening Dinner & Celebration (Friday night), and Pre-conference film screening on October 9 (Thursday evening). Early-bird registration cost: $60 (regular $75)

Full Conference Pass – Non-Member Admission:Includes access to all sessions, exhibitors, and meals on October 11 (Day 2). Early-bird registration cost: $100 (regular $125)

Student Pass: Reduced rate for students. Includes the same access as a full conference pass (Days 1–2). Proof of student ID or farm affiliation may be requested. Early-bird registration cost:: $40 (regular $50)

One-Day Pass (Members Only) – Saturday, October 11: Access to the full conference program on Day 2 (keynotes, breakouts, plenary, exhibitors, and lunch). Does not include Day 1 tours or dinner.

Pre-Conference Film & Plenary: $20 Early Bird (regular $25)

Thursday, October 9, 6:00–9:00 PM. Special screening of Rhythms of the Land followed and a plenary panel on the past, present, and future of Black agrarian traditions.

Baltimore Urban Farm Bus Tour +boxed lunch: $30 Early Bird ( regular $35)

Friday, October 10, 9:00–3:30 PM. Join us for an immersive tour of Baltimore’s vibrant Black-led urban farms and food projects. Participants will visit multiple sites across the city to learn how farmers and community leaders are transforming vacant land, strengthening local food systems, and creating economic opportunities through agriculture. Ticket includes bus seat and lunch.

MABFC Dinner & Celebration: $65 Early Bird (regular $75)

Friday, October 10, 7:30–10:30 PM. Evening celebration at a Black-owned restaurant in West Baltimore featuring food, music, networking, and fellowship with farmers and community leaders. Ticket includes family-style dinner.

Reserve your Room:

CLICK HERE: Overnight accommodations are available for a discounted rate of $179++ per night, Thurs, Fri & Sat, at the Lord Baltimore Hotel - 20 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201.*Please call (410) 539-8400 to reserve your room and mention the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus Room Block or visit, https://reservations.travelclick.com/85390?groupID=4916567, to secure your room today.

Info: 3 routes visiting 9 of Baltimore’s leading Black-led farms. Buses will depart from Coppin State's Health & Sciences Parking Lot, at 9am sharp.

Info: Producer-only market featuring Black farmers and food entrepreneurs. Cooking demonstrations, health screenings, and community workshops

Info: Bus will depart for dinner at 7:00pm

Info: "Relevance of George Washington Carver as a Necessary Pathway to a Sustainable Future"

Info: Floating Food Hub - Steven Jones & Thelonius cook (30min)
Delaware Farm Crawl Recap - Jamie Shanklin (15min)
Black Farmers Directory - Briana Stevenson (30min)
Policy Update - LaWann Stribble (15min)
Committees - Stephanie Miller (20min)

Info: Rhythms of the Land Film Screening and Plenary Panel Discussion

Host or Publisher Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus