Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Statement of Values

BAV is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). These values are intertwined with our mission to support the development and viability of local farms and food businesses. We know that there is more work to be done to make the local food system just and equitable for all. BAV is committed to shifting our own practices through listening, learning, and organizing with our community.

Recent Actions

As reflected in our most recent Community Impact Report, these are some of the ways BAV is putting our DEIB commitment into action:

Trainings for Staff and Board

  • People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond - Undoing Racism intensive workshop

  • Soul Fire Farm - Uprooting Racism training

  • Franklin County Community Development Corporation - Racial Justice Reflective Journey

Shifted Practices

  • Revised client intake application to reduce barriers to entry and increase accessibility

  • Review job postings for potentially exclusionary language 

  • Ongoing collaboration with BIPOC-led farms

Ongoing Learning

  • Monthly staff workshops on equity topics

  • Staff training on linguistic bias and language justice

  • Monthly staff and Board equity committee meetings

Historical Context

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures acknowledges that we live and work on the unceded land of the Mohican, Munsee Lenape, and other Indigenous peoples. We recognize that the United States was built on stolen land and that all systems in this country are built on the stolen labor of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

We recognize that agriculture is rooted in the long-standing cultural practices of these peoples. Further, we acknowledge that achieving a more resilient food system depends on equity and inclusion for all groups who have been, and still are, marginalized. In our work at BAV, we vow to honor the Native stewards of this land and those who involuntarily took care of it for so long. 

Engage with Us

As a team, BAV is committed to growing and learning. If you feel we have not lived up to our DEIB commitment or if you have suggestions for improvement, please contact us. Your feedback will be shared across our staff and taken seriously.

BAV’s services are open to all farmers and food producers in the Berkshire-Taconic region regardless of race, ethnic background, gender identity, or sexual identity. We welcome and encourage all who seek support for their agricultural-related businesses to contact us. BAV is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.