All family farmers, no matter where they live or the color of their skin, work hard and overcome never-ending challenges to put food on the tables of American families. Because of discrimination, Black farmers and other farmers of color have unfair obstacles. Black farmers are more likely to be denied USDA support and private bank loans. Racism has pushed farmers into debt and forced many to give up farming entirely. To ensure small farmers have the opportunity to continue, we need to create protections for Black, Indigenous, and people of color farmers. The alternative is big business as usual which will lead to the loss of farmland, weakening of local economies, and disruption of supply chains. We all benefit when we support small farmers to sustain their businesses.
Secure Justice for Black Farmers and Other Farmers of Color
- Ensure access to credit and establish loan forgiveness programs and support so that farmers who have faced discrimination don’t lose their farms.1
- The 2021-2022 Congress recognized the long history of discrimination in USDA lending. Nearly $5 billion was appropriated to forgive loans for Black, Indigenous, and people of color farmers and launch an equity commission. When conservative organizations and judges blocked this policy, Congressional champions went back to work and amended the law to ensure distressed borrowers didn’t lose their farms.
- But the Trump administration is dismantling programs that further equity and diversity, firing personnel and ending programs that use words like discrimination, Black, or minority.
- Improve federal support for programs that help heirs’ property owners hold onto their property. This support should include reducing barriers to access federal programs, loans, and tax benefits.
- Expand funding for land access and market growth.2