Together with the Nature Conservancy, this Dow Fellows team explored organizations in the Great Lakes and Mississippi watershed that have successfully undergone a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion transition. The Nature Conservancy has historically partnered with stakeholders viewed as having the greatest impact on national watersheds, consisting primarily of white row croppers. The Dow Fellows team sought to present successful DEI transition examples by identifying over 100 agriculture and food system organizations throughout the Midwest that serve BIPOC communities and farmers. The team assembled case studies demonstrating the best practices implemented by a handful of these organizations, and compiled a large organizational index highlighting potential Midwest partners who work with BIPOC farmers. This work provides important guidance on reconciling relationships with BIPOC communities, tracking progress toward DEI goals, and helping the Nature Conservancy strengthen its own DEI practices.

Project Report