Federation of Southern Cooperatives’ Post

It’s a long-overdue victory! For 40 years, the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA), founded by John Boyd Jr., has stood on the front lines for Black farmers. The organization represents the needs of African American farmers and their families in the United States, advocating for issues most important to them, including civil rights, land retention, access to public and private loans, education, agricultural training, and rural economic development, PR Newswire reports. Now, after a decades-long fight against discriminatory practices in farm lending from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the organization has secured a $2.2 billion settlement. The win is historic, brought about as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law by President Biden just two years ago. Approximately 43,000 farmers will benefit from the payout, each receiving settlements of up to $500,000 the average awarded amount being $82,000. The fund will provide long-awaited financial assistance to farmers who have struggled to make ends meet while fighting against racism and discrimination from the USDA prior to 2021. The process was long and arduous, with a third-party administrator carefully evaluating each case and the application process extremely lengthy, exacerbating the frustration of farmers. #celebrationofus #melanincon #melanin #usda #fortheculture #blackfarmers

"In a historic move aimed at addressing longstanding racial inequities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $2 billion payout to Black farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). This landmark decision marks a significant step toward rectifying centuries of discrimination and systemic injustice faced by Black farmers in the United States. The funds are expected to provide crucial support for Black farmers who have been disproportionately affected by discriminatory practices, inadequate support, and barriers to land ownership." Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center #blackfarmers #foodjustice #landjustice #sustainablefoodsystems #foodasmedicine

Historic Justice for Black Farmers!🖤🌱 After decades of struggle, Black farmers are receiving a long-overdue payout from the USDA, marking a powerful step towards economic equity and recognition. Let’s celebrate this milestone in the fight for justice! 🙌🏿✊🏿 #BlackFarmers #EconomicJustice #USDA #blackfarmersmatter #restoringjustice #farmequity #USDepartmentOfAgriculture #blackexcellence #BlackExcellenceMatters #EconomicEmpowerment #blackowned #kijijiatlanta

🌾 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀!🌾 Black farmers are celebrating a $2 billion payout from the USDA, marking a significant step toward justice after decades of discrimination. This payout will benefit over 40,000 farmers, providing much-needed financial relief. However, the fight isn’t over yet—they continue to seek debt relief to fully address the injustices faced. #BlackFarmers #USDA #Justice #DebtRelief #Agriculture #ownershipmatters #equality USDA To Pay $2 Billion To Black And Other Minority Farmers Following Decades Of Discrimination https://lnkd.in/gikUxrEr

Navigating the complexities of financial distress can be particularly challenging for family farmers and fishermen, who play a crucial role in sustaining America's heritage and food supply. Fortunately, Chapter 12 bankruptcy exists as a specialized resource designed to address their unique circumstances. Tailored to support the backbone of rural communities, this provision offers a beacon of hope, ensuring that those who feed the nation have the opportunity to rebound and thrive. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/g5mVWEVK #Chapter12Bankruptcy #Agriculture #FishingIndustry #RuralSupport #FinancialRecovery

SOME NEWS ON A SUNDAY MORNING: In a largely unexpected announcement during the last week of July, the Biden administration started its distribution of $2 billion to thousands of farmers who have faced decades of government-backed discrimination. For nearly a century, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) limited these farmers’ access to federal subsidies, debt forgiveness and other programs that served as lifeline for a majority-white farmer base. The long-awaited payout, created through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, comes after nearly two years of delays, court challenges and pushback from mostly GOP-elected lawmakers. Efforts made possible by the Congressional Black Caucus! At the turn of the 20th century, nearly 14 percent of U.S. farmers were Black, owning more than 16 million acres. The Census of Agriculture recently conducted by the USDA shows that only one in 100 Black farmers own less than 5 million acres. As part of Biden’s announcement, the USDA will start making immediate payments to 43,000 recipients across all 50 states, with Alabama and Mississippi recipients receiving the most. The average payment is $82,000. Big s/o to John Boyd Jr., Todd Belcore and Tammy Townsend for adding their voice to this important piece. Read more here! https://lnkd.in/e_pKEaM9

The partnership between Landisville Produce Cooperative and the Food Bank of South Jersey, with critical investment from the State, is a win for farmers and families. By making it a budget priority to support such initiatives, we see firsthand how we can support farmers, strengthen the local economy, and fight food insecurity. Read more at NJ Pen, written by Matt Skoufalos https://lnkd.in/e-EkGRvy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is finally taking steps to address decades of discrimination, awarding $2 billion to Black and other minority farmers. Legal Defense Fund (LDF) President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson released the following statement, commending this decision. “We commend the Biden Administration’s continued commitment to correct past wrongs and acknowledge the federal government’s critical role in providing recompense for its own discrimination. When more information emerges about the distribution of these payments and their impact, we will work to ensure the agency upholds its commitment to further remedying the effects of discrimination in farming, especially as it relates to serving the needs of Black farmers.” More than 23,000 farmers are receiving direct payments, but National Black Farmers Association Founder and President John Boyd Jr. wants more—”We want our land, and I want to be very, very clear about that.” Read more https://lnkd.in/gHzrzJCk #BlackFarmers #RacialInequity #USDA

U.S. Supports Minority Farmers In a historic move, the U.S. government is providing over $2 billion in aid to black and other minority farmers who have faced past discrimination. This long-awaited support aims to address systemic inequalities and promote fairness in agriculture. It’s a step towards a more inclusive and thriving food system, where every farmer gets a fair chance. Takeaways: 1. Historical discrimination has created systemic inequalities in agriculture. 2. Government support can help level the playing field for minority farmers. 3. A diverse and inclusive food system benefits society as a whole. News Story:

Q: What is USDA's Discrimination Financial Assistance Program? A: USDA's Discrimination Financial Assistance Program provides financial support to farmers and ranchers who have faced discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or political beliefs in the past.