Episode 126: Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farms

The Checkout speaks with Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farms of North Carolina about Afrocentric food production, beekeeping and food justice.

As the owner of Sankofa Farms, a 12-acre farm launched through a USDA Farm Service Agency’s Direct Farm Ownership loan, Kamal works to improve food policy throughout the triangle. This agriculture-based program aims to improve the perception of both STEM and agriculturally related professions through the exposure to agricultural technology while improving financial independence, career readiness and nutrition literacy. From introducing students to high level farming techniques to managing 40 beehives, the farm has garnered both national and local attention from Forbes Magazine, The News and Observer, Earth Eats, and ABC news. Currently a doctoral student at NC State in the Agriculture Extension Education program, Kamal holds a B.S. in animal industry/animal science, and a master’s degree in agricultural education from NC A&T State University.

https://www.sankofafarmsllc.com/about-us-1-bbn8g

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Episode #126 Notes

1:00 - How did you get interested in farming - what motivated you to start it?

3:00 - Inspiration from the African farming tradition and the legacy of black farmers in the deep south.

6:30 - The state of food apartheid in North Carolina.

8:00 - What does regenerative agriculture mean to you?

11:00 - Community and youth on the farm.

12:30 - Agricultural techniques on the farm.

17:00 - Policy and supporting black farmers.