The first-ever Black Agriculture Summit is being held at the Elihu Harris California State Building Auditorium in downtown Oakland from 1 PM to 4:30 PM today. Organized by Tanikka Cunningham, of the DC_based food access group Healthy Solutions, this is a free community forum  meant to support a National Black Agriculture Action Agenda.

Says Cunningham: "The event will focus on healthy eating, nutrition, exercise, food and agriculture, while raising awareness about the renaissance of Black Farmers in America. Our communities need more resources that teach and help our community members build upon helping themselves live healthier lives. We look for this Black Agriculture Summit to be another stepping stone to empower our communities."

The Forum will feature:

• Introduction to our National Model, Healthy Solutions Produce Cooperative
• Let's Move! Toolkit for Community and Faith Based Organizations
• Cooking demonstrations and food tastings and other activities associated with eating healthy and exercise.

"The Black Agriculture Summit 2010 will create the space to encourage an inter generational laboratory and marketplace of ideas," according to Michael Harris, Co-Chair, Black Agriculture Summit Planning Team. Harris says "we are building a national action agenda that eliminates U.S. Agriculture Policy illiteracy and expands equity participation throughout the broader U.S. Agriculture Industry."

The USDA and California Farm Service Agency are confirmed participants in the event. For more information about the Black Agriculture Summit 2010, visit: http://www.blackagriculture.com

What: Black Agriculture Summit 2010
When: July 15, 2010 1:00 p.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.
Where: Elihu Harris California State Auditorium
1515 Clay Street, Oakland, California
Cost: Free- Everyone is invited