Government
Promised debt relief, some Black farmers get collection notices
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Confusion, anxiety as USDA effort is in limbo.
Investigate Midwest (https://investigatemidwest.org/tag/black-farmers/)
Confusion, anxiety as USDA effort is in limbo.
“This bill could help usher in a new generation of African American farmers,” a Black producer said. “But, if it fails, it’s gonna continue to dwindle.”
White farmers have sued to prevent the USDA from forgiving loans to farmers of color. “Why are things always being stopped for us?” one asked.
Congress could pass as early as today one of the most sweeping relief programs for minority farmers in the nation’s history, through a provision of President Biden’s pandemic stimulus bill. Although the landmark legislation, which would cancel $4 billion worth of debt, seemed to emerge out of nowhere, it actually is the result of more than 20 years of organizing by Black farmers.