The Coalition conducts policy advocacy, provides technical assistance to organizations implementing food security related programs, conducts research, and educates the public and professionals through the media, conferences and newsletters. In 1920, the U.S. had over 925,000 black-operated farms. Today, there are only 18,000. The current rate of agricultural loss by black farmers is two and one half times that of other Americans. Two-thirds of farmers work jobs off the farm just to make ends meet.
Farmers are twice as likely to live in poverty as members of the general population.
Four meatpacking companies control an estimated 87 percent of cattle slaughter. Four companies control 85 percent of the cereal market. Four companies control 45 percent of the poultry industry.