Sisters of the Soil Community Farm believes in shopping local, supporting small-scale Black‑owned growers, and celebrating fresh, community-grown food. And not because we are one. It’s part of how we came into the ag space. Each of us was searching for farmers that looked like us. We wanted to support Black farmers while improving the health of our families. Once we found our tribe, we began to get excited about growing and learning more.
While we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting or working alongside some of these amazing Black-owned farms in Maryland, they are an intricate part of our food system, our community, and our extended family. We want them to continue doing the good work of the land and growing their businesses. We hope that you’ll find this list helpful in finding the local produce you’re after. Once you discover the local difference, you won’t soon forget it. Check out these Black-owned farms in Maryland you can support—and why they matter.
1. Dodo Farms (Howard County)
Tope and Niyi Fajingbesi run this Certified Naturally Grown farm. Located in Mount Airy on 10+ acres, Dodo Farms grows a wide variety of seasonal vegetables—from leafy greens to tomatoes, peppers, berries. There’s no chemicals, no GMO, just good, honest produce. They also offer pasture‑raised eggs and poultry. Supporting them means empowering a locally rooted family that truly values food sovereignty and community trust.
2. Deep Roots Farm (Upper Marlboro)
Deep Roots Farm is a regenerative, Black woman‑owned farm stewarded by Farmer Gale and team. This amazing farm focuses on vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers—and even homemade hot sauces and eggs. Farmer Gale is a true advocate for community nutrition and strengthening our local food system. Supporting Deep Roots is about backing regenerative principles and a holistic approach to land and food. There are even classes and events held here. You won’t be disappointed.
3. Spice Creek Farm (Brandywine)
Founded by Gail Taylor, Spice Creek grows vegetables, herbs, and flowers on 2½ acres in Brandywine (and in DC at Three Part Harmony Farm). Some of her produce includes garlic, cabbage, greens. Part of this farm’s mission is to support food‑insecure families through education and outreach. It’s Certified Naturally Grown and rooted in community justice and land stewardship. They even have a CSA (community supported agriculture) you can sign up for to get fresh produce weekly. If you want produce that’s grown with uplift and purpose, this farm truly stands out.
4. Ad Astra Farms (Prince George’s County)
This Black woman‑owned microfarm offers seasonal veggies and herbs through CSA, markets, and garden consultation. Ad Astra accepts SNAP/EBT, and prioritize food access and education in its community outreach. Their harvest includes everything from bok choy and okra to peppers, melons, collards, and even strawberries and figs.
5. Asawana Farms (Upper Marlboro)
Known for its emphasis on Afro‑Caribbean produce, Asawana grows cultural favorites like bitter leaf, callaloo, African eggplant, waterleaf, and anchia. Dr. Isaac Zama is just as passionate about heritage African and Caribbean crops as he is about teaching the next generation how to grow food. The farm is located at the Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park where it connects food heritage to garden education for Prince George’s County residents.
6. Purple Mountain Grown (Takoma Park)
Purple Mountain Organics (sometimes referred to as Purple Mountain Grown) is a Black‑owned farm headquartered in Takoma Park. Dr. Amen and his family run this amazing farm that specializes in rice, beans, and grains. You’ll find them selling at the Takoma Park Farmers Market. This farm has a strong focus on soil health and whole body wellness.
7. Mel ’n Nem Farms (Bowie)
Mel’ n Nem Farms is a Black‑owned sustainable teaching farm offering produce, classes, consultations, and community events. They grow seasonal veggies and engage folks with educational offerings. There are a lot of great opportunities for community engagement at this farm. You’ll be so glad you checked them out.
8. Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (Southern Maryland)
A cooperative farming collective rooted in Ujamaa principles—community, cooperation, shared wealth. Though not huge, they emphasize seed saving, mutual aid, and culturally affirming food access. Their emphasis on storytelling, land stewardship, and pouring into the next generation of growers and seed savers, makes Ujamaa a community jewel. Mama Boneeta is doing the work of keeping ancestral seeds and heritage crops alive and thriving in the hands of those who need it most.
9. Tallahwah Farms (Princess Anne)
Tallahwah operates with a diasporic lens—connecting community, climate resilience, and Black agrarian practices in Maryland. With deep Jamaican roots, you can look forward to finding scotch bonnet peppers, callaloo, and “food from yard, grown abroad.” Dr. Burton knows her stuff and she’s all about sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with the community.
10. Diddly Squat Farming (Upper Marlboro)
Go visit Diddly Squat Farming and support a Black-woman and veteran owned farm. Farmer Constance digs deep into community, healing, and environmentalism. Diddly Squat is a certified hemp grower, and also grows squash, okra, lavender, and a variety of greens. You’ll also fall in love with the Nigerian dwarf goats, butterfly preservations, on-farm yoga, and meditation sessions. There’s food for the body and the spirit here.
11. Whitt’s Farm (Upper Marlboro)
Head over to Whitt’s farm in Upper Marlboro or to their farmers market stall at the Croom Station Farmers Market to get some fresh produce or fresh canned goods. Whether you’re looking for intriguing relishes or bourbon-laced apple butter, Whitt’s is growing fresh veggies with love and joy. You may even get a chance to learn about canning your own harvests.
Why Support These Farms?
-
-
Freshness: Local produce travels less, retains nutrients, and doesn’t rely on cold storage or long-haul transport.
-
-
-
Equity: Black farmers own less than 2% of U.S. farmland—but their impact on local food systems and culinary traditions is massive. Shopping with them helps shift toward a more equitable and resilient food system.
-
-
-
Community & Trust: At farmers markets, you meet the grower, ask questions, and get personal. That kind of trust matters.
-
-
-
Land Stewardship: Farms like Deep Roots and Spice Creek practice regenerative or Certified Naturally Grown methods that build soil health and biodiversity.
-
Spotlight: What They Grow
Here’s a quick table of what these farms produce
| Farm | Grown Products |
|---|---|
| Dodo Farms | Leafy greens, root veg, peppers, tomatoes, berries, eggs |
| Deep Roots Farm | Veggies, herbs, fruits, flowers, eggs, hot sauce |
| Spice Creek Farm | Garlic, cabbage, leafy greens, poultry, market veg |
| Ad Astra Farms | Collards, okra, kale, microgreens, peppers, fruits |
| Asawana Farms | Afro‑Caribbean greens and veggies (bitter leaf, callaloo) |
| Purple Mountain | Mixed produce and herbs for local markets |
| Mel ’n Nem Farms | Seasonal vegetables, community education programs |
| Ujamaa Co-op | Cultural crops, seeds, produce, mutual aid methods |
| Tallahwah Farms | Diaspora crops tied to Black agrarian heritage |
| Diddly Squat Farming | Squash, lavender, okra, mustard greens, hemp flower, sunflower |