The James Family, Dogwood Acres and NC Willing Workers: Sustainable Agriculture and a Sense of Community

Loss of land and traditional crops has led many small farmers to turn to new and innovative growing strategies. Unfortunately, education about these techniques and new markets is not readily available to low- and middle-income farmers, making it difficult for low-resource farmers to develop more efficient practices and diversify crops. Mary and Nelson James helped establish NC Willing Workers, a cooperative of 12 African American farmers dedicated to helping each other learn sustainable growing methods and effective marketing.

"Nelson and I grow our crops the old-fashioned way, with no chemicals or pesticides. Our customers are worth it, and we want to do what we can to help preserve the precious Earth we live on. We want to share these ideas and learn from our fellow growers – and plant the seeds with a new generation of farmers."

- Mary James, Dogwood Nursery Farms and NC Willing Workers

Summary

The number of crops raised by Mary and Nelson James of Dogwood Nursery Farms is staggering: organic vegetables, free range hogs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, corn, soybeans, and mushrooms! Started three generations ago in the 1800’s, this African American sustainable family farm is making the transition to certified organic growers.

Mary and Nelson James have accomplished a diversified crop base and are committed to raising crops the traditional way (i.e., organically). These practices ensure strong stewardship of natural resources as well as economic viability.

Challenge

Their success is hard-earned. Dogwood Nursery Farms is located in Pender County , an area that lost almost 100 farms between 1987 and 2002 (source: NC Rural Center). African American landownership loss, in particular, has reached crisis proportions in the Southern Black Belt states of North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia . Between 1865 and 1910, African Americans amassed more than 19 million acres in the South, and Black farmers numbered 925,708. Today, however black farmers number only 16,560 and collectively own only 1.5 million acres. Much of this land is at high risk of being lost.

Solution

By establishing NC Willing Workers, Mary and Nelson James are reaching out to other farmers in southeastern North Carolina. This cooperative of 12 African American farm families has recently launched the NC Willing Workers Foundation, dedicated to sharing innovative ideas, growing techniques and marketing strategies.

Resourceful Communities’ Role

The Conservation Fund’s Resourceful Communities Program has worked in partnership to establish NC Willing Workers and launch the NC Willing Workers Foundation, which is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to farmers and the general public. These efforts improve the economic viability of many small farms and improve awareness of sustainable farming methods that reduce environmental degradation.

Working to support goals identified by NC Willing Workers, Resourceful Communities has provided direct technical assistance for strategic planning and for beginning a nonprofit. Mary and Nelson James are long-time participants in Resourceful Communities’ Grassroots Network and have served as peer presenters on a variety of topics. Resourceful Communities continues to provide connections to state and federal resources as well as publicizing upcoming trainings hosted by NC Willing Workers.

Results

In recognition of their community outreach, diversified crops and new techniques, the James were selected the 2006 and 2008 NC Small Farmers of the Year and will be featured in an upcoming Heifer International video.

Visit Dogwood Nursery Farms at http://dogwoodfarmsnc.com/ and listen to Mary on WUNC's The State of Things here.