Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele's Advocacy for Inclusion in Agriculture with NWIAA

Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele, a trailblazing fourth-generation Black woman farmer, stands at the forefront of a powerful movement in agriculture. As the founder of The National Women In Agriculture Association (NWIAA), the largest non-profit organization for women in agriculture, she seeks legislative change to level the playing field. With unwavering dedication, she champions equity, inclusion, and prosperity for socially disadvantaged farmers, leaving an indelible mark on America's youth agriculture education programs. Now, her eyes are set on a meeting with President Biden and the White House Policy Council, where she aims to redefine the future of farming and eradicate centuries-old patterns of inequality.  

Transforming Lives and Redefining Agriculture  

Dr. Tammy Gray-Steele's profound inspiration to establish NWIAA stemmed from witnessing the neglect and lack of recognition faced by older single and widowed Black rural farm women. The agricultural community did not acknowledge, appreciate, or respect these resilient individuals. Determined to rectify this injustice, Dr. Gray-Steele embarked on a mission to provide minority women farmers with agricultural opportunities. Through innovative funding programs, she equipped them with the necessary assets to cultivate profitable and respected farms. NWIAA emerged as a force to be reckoned with, challenging the preconceived notions that had denied black women farmers their rightful place in the industry.  

For the past 15 years, Dr. Gray-Steele has passionately advocated for true equity and inclusion in the agricultural sector. At the core of NWIAA's mission lies the urgent need for legislation that ensures equal access to life skills opportunities in agriculture for all children. Driven by a commitment to eradicate poverty, NWIAA's Coalition for Sustainable Solutions calls upon individuals and organizations to join and sponsor their cause. These collective efforts aim to create a sustainable historical change that will rebuild America in a more equitable manner. The proposed legislation seeks to address five critical poverty issues: saving lives, eradicating hunger, creating sustainable jobs and career opportunities, increasing the number of minority farmers, and serving as a catalyst for college and military recruitment.  

NWIAA and its Coalition now urgently request a meeting with the President and White House Policy Council leaders. They aim to secure this meeting before the Congressional Agriculture Committee passes the 2023 Farm Bill, thereby ensuring that NWIAA becomes the first Black Congressional Chartered funded organization in American history. The Women & Children Equity Inclusion Act, as a pilot program for 4-H and FFA, holds the transformative potential to provide all children with sustainable life skill opportunities in agriculture. By embracing this legislation, NWIAA and its supporters are determined to build a more inclusive and prosperous future, where every individual, regardless of background, can thrive in the agricultural sector.  

Education and Empowerment through Outreach  

NWIAA is an agriculture outreach organization that thrives on sisterhood, diversity, and the recognition of neglected rural women, particularly minority women. Acknowledging the lack of resources that have hindered rural development nationwide, NWIAA is the first minority woman-owned and operated organization committed to providing innovative outreach education. Their approach, blending spirituality and USDA-certified techniques, attracts and sustains current and future generations. The first Mississippi Chapter of NWIAA was established in July 2011, followed by the Alabama Chapter in August 2011. From there, chapters started emerging across the nation, firmly establishing NWIAA's presence.  

NWIAA's educational programs have empowered minority youth and female farmers, with achievements including feeding over 58,000 people in a year and reaching an average of 60,443 individuals monthly. Collaborating with 80 chapters globally, NWIAA fosters engagement through social media, the Women In Ag. Wednesday Talk Show, meetings, outreach events, symposiums, and intern support.  

NWIAA's Women In Ag. Wednesday is a Podcast Talk Show that engages women in agriculture outreach, giving them a platform to raise awareness about their contributions to the industry and address the needs of socially disadvantaged farmers worldwide.  

NWIAA secures a one-year TV Network Equity Program through the Meg Ryan Program, starting scripting in May 2023 and heading to TV studios in June 2023. This initiative amplifies their message, expanding their reach and impact.  

Advocating for Equality and Congressional Support  

NWIAA aims to be the first Black Congressional Chartered non-profit, to establish worldwide Sustainable Science Academies. Their mission addresses five critical poverty issues by promoting equity and inclusion for minority women farmers, benefiting lives, eradicating hunger, creating sustainable jobs, increasing minority farmers, and supporting education and military recruitment. Support from influential figures like Glenn Thompson and Mike Conaway is essential to drive change. NWIAA seeks Congressional hearings, emphasizing the importance of support in overcoming challenges and advancing their mission of equity and inclusion in agriculture. With Congressional backing, NWIAA can profoundly impact marginalized farmers, fostering a brighter future.