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Strategies For Implementing An Estate Planning Outreach Program to Socially Disadvantaged Producers

E'licia Chaverest and Duncan M. Chembezi

Summary

In 1995, Alabama A&M University (AAMU) Small Farms Research Center was developed specifically to provide outreach and technical assistance to limited-resource minority farmers and under-served communities. With over twenty-five years of experience and research-based practices, AAMU Small Farms Research Center has developed programs on various agricultural issues to address their needs. With the long history of racial barriers and USDA discrimination against African-Americans, land loss appears to be another major hurdle African-Americans face due to heir property and estate planning.

As previously noted, heir property is a major barrier to asset building and wealth accumulation among minority landowners. The continual erosion of land ownership and the loss of Black farmers undermine community stability and cultural continuity. AAMU Small Farms Research Center Estate Planning program has been effective in getting the conversation started and behavioral changes from our clients. In addition, the Center will draw attention to positive feedback on the projects which includes quotes, comments, and short anecdotes.

The pandemic has been challenging for everyone including institutions and outreach providers. Alabama A&M University Small Farms Research Center will highlight strategies on implementing an estate planning pandemic project,  techniques that have engaged landowners in estate and succession planning drills and success stories of the project thus far. 

Details

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