09/03/2026
CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE, COMMUNITY & THE FUTURE OF FARMING!
3rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Conference & 2nd Annual Delaware Farm Crawl
August 28–29, 2026
Theme: “Rooted in Legacy. Powered by Land. Built for the Future.”
Delaware State University Cooperative Extension was proud to partner with the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus (MABFC) for an exciting two-day celebration of agriculture, entrepreneurship, food access, wellness, culture, and community!
The 2026 event brought together farmers, agricultural professionals, community members, food advocates, entrepreneurs, educators, and supporters of local agriculture from across the region.
Highlights included:
Women in Agriculture Wellness Session – 12 women participated in an interactive session focused on work-life balance, wellness, resilience, networking, and opportunities for value-added agricultural enterprises.
MABFC Conference – 90 participants engaged in discussions and presentations covering Food Is Medicine, seed stewardship, protecting Black farms, urban and rural agriculture, community food systems, agricultural innovation, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in agricultural outreach.
DSU Cooperative Extension Demonstration – 60 participants visited the DSU Smyrna Outreach and Research Center, where they explored specialty and ethnic crops, small ruminants, aquaculture, high tunnels, organic production, drone applications, mini-farm plots, and the agricultural plots of 14 DSU Farm School graduates.
Farm School Impact – Approximately 30% of the farms visited during the Farm Crawl were owned or managed by DSU Farm School graduates, demonstrating the impact of agricultural education and entrepreneurship training.
Delaware Farm Crawl – More than 150 participants visited six farms and agricultural sites throughout New Castle County. Participants toured farms, volunteered, met producers, learned about innovative production systems, and purchased local agricultural products.
Economic Impact – Participating farms generated approximately $4,500 in direct sales from products purchased by Farm Crawl attendees.
Agriculture Meets Culture & Fashion – The weekend concluded with a unique fashion show featuring designers Alia Collins, a DSU Clothing and Textiles student, and Xanda Hucklebury, a farmer and designer whose work reflects her family's agricultural heritage.
The weekend was a powerful reminder that agriculture is more than farming—it is about people, culture, health, economic opportunity, education, and community.
Delaware State University Cooperative Extension extends sincere appreciation to MABFC, the participating farmers, presenters, volunteers, DSU faculty and staff, students, community partners, and everyone who attended and helped make this event a success.
Together, we are honoring our agricultural legacy while building a stronger and more sustainable future.
Photo Credit: Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus
Rooted in Legacy. Powered by Land. Built for the Future.
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