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NBGC Awards

Honoring the individuals and partners who embody the mission, values, and spirit of the National Black Growers Council.

Nomination Deadline November 13, 2026

Submit a nomination
view the awards

Award Descriptions

The following awards recognize individuals and partners who embody the mission, values, and spirit of the National Black Growers Council (NBGC). Each award honors outstanding leadership, advocacy, philanthropy, and community impact within the agricultural industry.
NBGC Ally Award
For Elected Officials

Recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated outstanding advocacy, partnership, and support for the mission and values of the NBGC.

Criteria & Nomination
NBGC Philanthropic Award
Farmer & Supporter Categories

Recognizes individuals whose generosity, leadership, service, and commitment to others have made a meaningful impact on agricultural communities.

Criteria & Nomination
NBGC Farmer of the Year
For Growers

Celebrates the innovation, leadership, and dedication of farmers who are shaping the future of agriculture.

Criteria & Nomination

Selection Criteria & Nominations

Choose an award to review its selection criteria and submit a nomination. Nominations must be received by Friday, November 13, 2026. Awards will be presented at the 2026 National Black Growers Council Annual Meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina.

For Elected Officials

NBGC Ally Award

The NBGC Ally Award recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated outstanding advocacy, partnership, and support for the mission and values of the National Black Growers Council. This award honors individuals whose leadership and actions have directly benefited row crop farmers and advanced agricultural equity and opportunity.

Selection Criteria

  • Legislative or Policy Impact

    Championed or co-sponsored policies and initiatives that benefit row crop farmers or underserved producers.

  • Advocacy and Public Support or Policy Impact

    Demonstrated visible, vocal, and consistent support for NBGC's mission.

  • Partnership Engagement

    Actively participated in NBGC programs, meetings, or policy discussions.

  • Resource Allocation or Access

    Helped secure funding, partnerships, or opportunities that advanced NBGC's objectives.

  • Long-Term Commitment

    Maintained ongoing support and collaboration with NBGC for two or more years.

Ally Award Nomination
2026 NBGC Ally Award Nomination

Nominator Information

Tell us about yourself.

Farmer & Supporter Categories

NBGC Philanthropic Award

The NBGC Philanthropic Award recognizes individuals whose generosity, leadership, service, and commitment to others have made a meaningful impact on agricultural communities. This award honors farmers and supporters who use their time, resources, influence, knowledge, and partnerships to strengthen communities, create opportunities, and empower others through agriculture.

The award is presented in two categories: Farmer and Supporter.

The Farmer Category recognizes a farmer who demonstrates a strong commitment to giving back, serving others, and using agriculture as a tool to strengthen their community.

Selection Criteria

  • Commitment to Community

    Demonstrates a consistent record of community service, agricultural outreach, charitable efforts, or other activities that benefit farmers, families, youth, or the broader community.

  • Innovation, Sustainability & Service

    Implements innovative or sustainable agricultural practices and uses their knowledge, resources, operation, or experience to educate, support, or create opportunities for others.

  • Leadership & Mentorship

    Demonstrates leadership and actively mentors, educates, or supports fellow farmers, beginning farmers, youth, or others pursuing opportunities in agriculture.

  • Impact & Influence

    Demonstrates measurable or lasting impact through efforts such as job creation, farmer support, youth development, increased access to food or agricultural resources, community development, or other initiatives that improve the lives of others.

The Supporter Category recognizes an individual who demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting farmers and agricultural communities through advocacy, philanthropy, service, collaboration, and empowerment.

Selection Criteria

  • Advocacy & Farmer Support

    Demonstrates a consistent history of advocating for, investing in, or providing resources and opportunities that support row crop farmers and agricultural communities.

  • Philanthropy & Service

    Demonstrates a commitment to giving back through charitable contributions, volunteerism, fundraising, community service, in-kind support, or the contribution of time, expertise, and other resources.

  • Collaboration & Partnerships

    Builds meaningful partnerships with farmers, agricultural organizations, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofits, or community organizations to create greater collective impact.

  • Empowerment & Opportunity

    Creates or expands opportunities that equip farmers and agricultural communities with the resources, knowledge, networks, or access needed to grow and succeed.

Philanthropic Award Nomination
2026 NBGC Philanthropic Award Nomination

Nominator Information

Tell us about yourself.

For Growers

NBGC Farmer of the Year Award
The NBGC Farmer of the Year Award celebrates the innovation, leadership, and dedication of farmers who are shaping the future of agriculture. This award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community advancement.

Selection Criteria

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit

    Demonstrates innovation and creativity in farming practices or agribusiness.

  • Community Involvement

    Actively supports local agricultural or educational initiatives.

  • Sustainability and Stewardship

    Commits to responsible and environmentally conscious farming.

  • Leadership and Advocacy

    Serves as a role model and advocate for emerging farmers.

  • Impact and Achievement

    Demonstrates measurable impact through productivity or innovation.

  • Future Vision

    Articulates a clear and inspiring vision for the future of agriculture.

Farmer of the Year Nomination
2026 NBGC Farmer of the Year Award Nomination

Nominator Information

Tell us about yourself.

Having trouble with the form? Email your nomination to nbgc@nationalblackgrowerscouncil.com.

Raleigh, North carolina

Be there when the awards are presented
All three awards will be presented live at the 2026 National Black Growers Council Annual Meeting. Join growers, partners, and industry leaders from across the country.
Register for the 2026 Annual Meeting
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