CNN iReport

Located in Bladenboro, NC (Bladen County), Farmers Fresh All Natural Poultry, is the ONLY 100% minority owned poultry “integrator” and currently the only mid range facility that allows custom slaughter (farmers to do their own slaughter) within the State of North Carolina. By integrator, that means they have the capability to grow, slaughter, process, and ship, their all natural poultry product.

As African Americans, Owners James Hunt and Kamal Shakir knew venturing out into the poultry industry would be a struggle. However, nothing could have prepared them for the onslaught of ignorance and flat out disrespect that has been shown on so many levels politically and financially (Senator Tony Rand’s office was reached but never responded). It has reached levels to where they are now on the verge of having to completely close down. This would be a travesty for Bladen County and the surrounding farming community, the State of NC, and for the USDA.

Looking up the census statistics for Bladen County, 40% of it is minority, 20% of it is at or below the state poverty line (2004 Census Bureau). The unemployment rate has steadily been at least 2 points OVER the state average. The per capita income is less than $15,000 annually. The state median is $28,000+ (2008 NC Employment Security Commission). There is no justifiable reason, even with hurdles, with these statistics… why Farmers Fresh All Natural Poultry isn’t supported more. Since 2004, Bladen County has received over 1,700,000 from state and federal sources, most in the name of "rural / economic development"...and only $10,000 (2006 Bladen County Economic Bloomin’ Bladen Fund) has been accounted for in the development or retention efforts of African American owned business in the county.

The financial implications are substantial for this area. Farmers Fresh All Natural Poultry employed 21 other minorities (most of whom were on some type of public assistance before they were hired and trained) and work with minority and other farmers from 4 surrounding counties for broiler and grain production. The actual numbers:

Production Employee Salaries = $70,000+ annually ( paid in 2006 )

Broiler Chicks= $182,000 annually ( 2007 market prices )

Feed / Grain= $773,760 + annually ( 3rd qtr 2007 market prices )

Farmer Growout Salary= $144,000+ annually ( projected gross per broiler house )

We're up to $1,168,760 Annually...and we haven't even factored in other things like pay to mechanical and other contractors to fix / maintain equipment, supplies, utilities, and tax revenue to the city / county / state. As a company, $700,000+ has already been spent on the facility and in the surrounding farming community getting our facility operational and producing.

Several local / regional State and Federal small business and minority funding avenues have been explored to no avail.  To this point, Farmers Fresh All Natural Poultry has received nothing but talk…no action.  According to James, as of now, political and financial lines have been drawn in the sand and rumors have been spread to discredit James and Kamal to justify actions refusing to help as promised (Chuck Huestess, Bladen County Economic Development) or they have been flat out ignored ( Steve Troxler, NC Department of Agriculture, Tony Rand, NC Senator ).  

James states…”We don't want charity...just the opportunity to continue operating productively and serving the farming community. We have been fighting seemingly unyielding odds just trying to exist and have literally come to an impasse and need an immediate response and assistance.

Further…” We have customer purchase commitments in writing, we have a core production crew waiting, we have minority and other farmers for broiler and grain production waiting”

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE…Kamal states “Long range...$575,000 is needed. Our company has already spent over 700,000+ relocating our operation, purchasing custom equipment, payroll, and other operating expenses”.

This is an opportunity for the State of North Carolina and other Federal Agencies via some of its higher resource agencies to respond and work with this historical company financially before this potentially becomes a “National” issue.  Because their financial situation has been dragged out since October 2006, an "unconventional" approach will be needed to address their financial and political dilemma.   

Anyone having questions or wanting to inquire or help this history making African American owned poultry get back on track, e-mail  James or Kamal at FARMERSFRESHPOULTRY@YAHOO.COM.