The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a historic $2 billion payout to Black farmers and other farmers of color who experienced discrimination when applying for the USDA’s farm loan programs. This financial assistance, which began reaching farmers in the past week, marks a significant milestone in the fight for justice that has spanned decades.
Background and Significance of the Payout
The payout stems from funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, two years after Congress allocated the resources. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack acknowledged that while the financial assistance does not fully compensate for the losses and pain endured by Black farmers, it represents an important acknowledgment of the USDA’s past wrongdoings. This development is especially significant considering that the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights confirmed as early as 1965 that the USDA had discriminated against Black farmers, but little had been done to rectify the situation until now.
Over the last century, the number of Black-run farms has dramatically decreased, with a 96% drop. By 1999, 98% of all agricultural land was owned by white individuals, underscoring the systemic challenges that Black farmers have faced. The recent payout is seen as a long-overdue step towards addressing these issues, but it is also clear that more work remains to be done.
The Role of the National Black Farmers Association
The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA), led by fourth-generation Black farmer John Boyd, played a pivotal role in advocating for this payout. Boyd, who founded the nonprofit organization, has been fighting for nearly four decades to secure justice for Black farmers. He views the $2 billion payout as a significant victory, not only for himself but also for the thousands of Black farmers who have struggled to maintain their livelihoods in the face of systemic discrimination.
According to Boyd, 60,000 applications were submitted, with 45,000 Black farmers and other farmers of color beginning to receive checks. The NBFA conducted 60 meetings with its members and sent out 130,000 postcards to ensure that eligible farmers knew how to apply for the payout. The application process was arduous, taking an average of three to three and a half hours to complete a 40-page application for each farmer. Despite the challenges, the NBFA’s efforts paid off, and Boyd expressed relief that the checks are finally reaching farmers who desperately need them.
Ongoing Fight for Debt Relief
While the $2 billion payout is a significant win, Boyd and the NBFA are still fighting for an additional $5 billion in debt relief for Black farmers. This debt relief would address the land that many Black farmers own, which is often tied up with the USDA through deeds of trust. Boyd has been in discussions with the White House, urging the administration to grant this relief through an executive order.
The distinction between the recent payments and the sought-after debt relief is crucial. The payments are meant for farmers who experienced discrimination before 2021, but they do not address the broader issue of debt that has been accumulated over decades. The debt relief, which was originally promised at 120% of the owed amount (including 20% to cover taxes), was blocked by lawsuits filed by white farmers in federal courts. Although the NBFA made some progress in these legal battles, the administration eventually repealed the debt relief plan and replaced it with other measures. Despite this setback, Boyd remains determined to secure the debt relief, emphasizing that “the land is everything” for Black farmers.
Personal Experiences of Discrimination
Boyd himself has experienced blatant discrimination from the USDA. He recalled instances where he was spat on by a USDA employee, called racial slurs, and had his loan application torn up in front of him. The discrimination was so pervasive that Black farmers in his county could only apply for loans on a specific day of the week, which they dubbed “Black Wednesday.” Boyd noted the stark contrast between how white and Black farmers were treated, with white farmers receiving prompt and courteous service, while Black farmers were subjected to delays and hostility.
Despite these challenges, Boyd’s resolve has never wavered. He credits his father, a dignified and hardworking Black farmer, with instilling in him the perseverance needed to continue the fight for justice. Boyd’s father taught him that the land is essential—not just for farming, but for survival and prosperity. Boyd’s unwavering commitment to this cause has led to the historic $2 billion payout, and he remains optimistic that the fight for the additional $5 billion in debt relief will ultimately succeed.
In conclusion
The $2 billion payout to Black farmers is a historic achievement that marks an important step towards addressing the long-standing discrimination they have faced. However, the fight for full justice, including debt relief, continues. Boyd’s story and the broader struggle of Black farmers highlight the resilience and determination required to overcome systemic racism and secure a fair and just future for all.
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