The aim of the society , which was said to have raised the living standards of African American farms in the area , was `` to discourage the credit and mortgage system among Negro farmers in North Carolina ; to assist them in the buying and selling of products ; to control methods of production and distribution of farm products ; and to secure uniform prices . '' The aim of the society , which was described as having raised the living standards of African American farms in the area , was `` to discourage the credit and mortgage system among Negro farmers in North Carolina ; to assist them in the buying and selling of products ; to control methods of production and distribution of farm products ; and to secure uniform prices . ''