My name is Phoebe Gooding and I am a BIPOC, female, new and beginning farmer with a small farm in eastern Durham. In August I was nominated to the Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. Members of the board enthusiastically voted for me because of my background in conservation and environmental justice, my board experience, and because of the perspective and insights I can offer firsthand as a BIPOC female small farmer.  After receiving the nomination, I spoke with a colleague of mine with deep experience in Durham food systems. He congratulated me and said that, historically, conservation funding and resources have mostly been transferred to white, wealthy landowners in the county. My appointment to the board comes with voting power to ensure that resources are more equitably distributed among county residents including those who have historically faced higher barriers to accessing land and opportunities.  

I waited with patience and excitement for the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission to approve my appointment. What happened next has not happened in 40 years. The state commission decided to supersede my nomination and appoint Mr. Ken Browning, an older, white, male farmer instead. 

Over the last few months of gathering information, and trying to understand what happened and why I have come to a few conclusions:

• First, the decision to supersede my nomination needs to be brought to light. 
• Second, I am incredibly qualified for the position, having met 8 of the 11 principles outlined in the Guiding Principles for Nomination of Supervisor for Appointment or Reappointment document provided by the NCSWC.  
• Third, I will fight for my rightful appointment to the board so that I may serve the people of Durham County with a lens of equity and justice. 

I’m asking you to fight with me. Please read and sign the letter of support by Anjali Boyd, Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor (elected).

Please, please share widely! This is really a state issue and not just a county issue. The official complaint letter explains in more detail my qualifications for this position and the issues of concern that this raises for all conservation districts in our state. If you have any suggestions or other thoughts to offer, reach out to me or contact Anjali Boyd at dsw@anjaliboyd.com.