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July 8, 2025East Tennessee Farmland Commons, Tennessee
The Farmers Land Trust is collaborating with and guiding forward the collective effort of five organizations to create the EAST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY, HOUSING & FARMLAND COMMONS, a Black-led community centered, democratically run, limited scope 501(c)(25) non-profit established to hold title to land, and to steward and convey secure and affordable lease for housing, food growing, community health and justice.
The Organizations creating the East TN Community, Housing, and Farmland Commons:
- Rooted-East
- BattleField Farm
- Knox County Community Gardens & Growers Alliance
- Shora Foundation
- Institute of Cooperative Learning
A Transformative Legacy For the Future
The East Tennessee Community, Housing & Farmland Commons holds the urban and rural connections and relationships of the greater Knoxville foodshed, focusing on land for equitable, viable, and sustainable health of this southern Appalachian community. The goal is to reverse the flow of capital and resource extraction from lands and people, and instead bring ownership, equity, and viability to communities in a justice-forward approach.
Board of Directors
Chris Battle
Chris Battle is a pastor, urban farmer, and the visionary behind Battlefield Farm in East Knoxville. He’s dedicated to food sovereignty, youth empowerment, and healing through land stewardship.
Ron Davis
Ron Davis is a long-time Knoxville organizer and advocate for equity in housing, education, and criminal justice. His work is rooted in deep relationships and a belief in the power of people to shape their own communities.
Femeika Elliott
Femeika Elliott is a food activist, land steward and social justicepreneur committed to addressing health disparities and promoting food justice within marginalized communities. Her work centers food access, improving maternal health, and preserving cultural heritage.
Mak Harmon
Mak Harmon is a begining queer farmer and community builder working at the intersection of identity and liberation. Mak uses locally grown food and culture as tools for connection and empowerment.
Tanika Harper
Tanika Harper is a business owner and economic justice leader who founded The Shora Foundation. She is a driving force behind efforts to create generational wealth and opportunity in East Knoxville.
Laila Malik
Laila Malik is a writer, educator, and advocate focused on justice, storytelling, and collective liberation. Her work uplifts marginalized voices and weaves together culture, land, and belonging.
Kevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy is a philanthropist and civic leader committed to farmland preservation, equity and systems change in East Tennessee.
Caesar Stair
Caesar Stair is an attorney and longtime supporter of land conservation and public access in Tennessee. His quiet leadership has helped protect thousands of acres for future generations.
Regional Data
- 880,000 metro
- Median age 36.8
- 79% White
- 12% Black
- $54,300 median HH
- 16.2% poverty
- TN avg $3,250/acre
- Knox Co. $3,500/acre
- $29,800 per capita
- Rural pockets up to 25% poverty
- 13.7% residents
- 19.4% children
- Corn, soybean, poultry & livestock;
- Emerging craft-food hubs
- Appalachian seed swaps
- 4‑H clubs
- Storytelling potlucks.
- Metro sources from 150+ farms within 100 mi
- 65 markets
- Rotational grazing
- Stream restoration
- Erosion from intense rains
