Rise and Root: The Diverse Farm

Available for over a year

On the face of it, American agriculture is overwhelmingly white, male and straight – so too here in the UK. Could that ever change? Anna Jones travels to an inspirational farm on the ‘black dirt’ soils of New York State to meet four women, from very different backgrounds, who started farming together in the hope they could make positive change happen. New Yorkers Jane Hodge, Michaela Hayes-Hodge, Lorrie Clevenger and Karen Washington co-own Rise and Root Farm, growing organic fruits and vegetables, edible flowers and plant seedlings for customers in the city. Anna talks to Karen about food justice in New York City's poorest communities and Lorrie’s efforts to cast off the long shadow of slavery and reclaim positive stories of African-American agriculture and successful black-owned farms. Anna hears from Michaela and Jane, a married couple, about being known locally as ‘The Lesbian Farm’ and why it's time white people got comfortable talking openly about issues of race and equality.