Update on the black farmers lawsuit

Previous USDA efforts have stalled or proved insufficient, even as the harms of decades of racism endure. Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League, said the equity commission could make progress — under the right circumstances.

If this commission also has representation from the farmers themselves and the right contours and the right charge, it could be significant and meaningful. But a flurry of lawsuits alleging the program discriminated against white farmers quickly stopped disbursement of the money. More: Rural counties see population losses the size of small towns, even as minority groups grew.

In June, a federal judge ordered a halt to the program. At least three judges have issued preliminary injunctions. On Aug. Cory Booker, D-N. Tom Vilsack: Why debt relief for Black and minority farmers is major civil rights victory.

Black farmers and advocates said they would welcome the debt relief but stressed that the real solution is to implement major reforms aimed at rooting out systemic racism in the department. The country's nearly 50, Black agricultural producers, including livestock breeders and ranchers, are mostly concentrated in the South and mid-Atlantic, according to the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture in The average Black-owned farm is acres, and the average white-owned farm is acres, according to the census.

In Pigford v. Glickman, a federal judge ruled in favor of tens of thousands of Black farmers who alleged decades of race-based discrimination by the USDA, acknowledging that they faced unfair treatment in applying for FSA loans.

The Pigford case remains the largest civil rights settlement won against the federal government. Because the settlement took decades to resolve many black farmers died waiting for justice. Many of their families are now dealing with heirs' claims. The remaining farmers received a denial letter.

The National Black Farmers Association answers every call, but it's a frustrating process, for we have very limited resources and the farmers need and deserve answers. Judge Friedman's recent decision provides clarity to black farmers who were denied in the settlement process. Read the ruling here.

Sadly, some of those still seeking compensation were the victims of fraud, the kind of scurrilous scams that usually turn up when a person or group receives a windfall. The settlement process was abused. There was no fee to file. There are no billions of dollars to compensate those who were denied in the settlement. We need funding, we need equity in the programs that are being put out there for agriculture. Another need that may seem new but points to a historic problem is means of communication.

Such bureaucracy is to be expected, he says, which is why he likes to see the cooperative model in action. He believes waiting on the USDA has proven to be an inefficient solution, and he advocates for Black farmers young and old to share information and resources to address issues like operational capital and debt relief and to combat misinformation. He wants to see more visits paid to Black-owned farms and wants farmers to receive more consistent workshops and more attention given to their specific problems, particularly those in more isolated areas.

Outreach has to be improved, he says, if progress is to be possible. In Kansas, Bradshaw says he feels the isolation of being part of a community that continues to diminish. Davy is more optimistic. If the judge grants the motion, the Federation and the Black farmers it represents would be added as plaintiffs, giving them the chance to add their stories to the record and to participate more fully in the fight.

After the USDA sent letters informing farmers that they were eligible for the relief, many returned their paperwork and planned their growing seasons anticipating the payment, she said. Still, it could be too late for some. Boyd, when am I going to get my debt relief? Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Filed under: Reports. Pocket Flipboard Email. Morris is one of two full-time black farmers who still farm in Lyles Station, a region of Indiana once dominated by Black farmers.