The federal government is projected to issue record subsidies to farmers across the US this year. But Black farmers, whose numbers have been dwindling for generations, say they've yet to see any big changes to keep their farms afloat. #NBCNewsThreads (1/5) nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/us…
99% of subsidies provided to farmers linked to the trade war with China went to white farmers, one report finds.
Black farmers say this level of aid has passed them by, not just in 2020, but also historically. (2/5)
Black farmers say this level of aid has passed them by, not just in 2020, but also historically. (2/5)
When a white farmer goes to the USDA and is approved for a loan, the farmer "gets a check and goes back to farming," a Georgia farmer explains.
When Black farmers are approved, the structure of the loans require them to go to the bank with a USDA county supervisor, he said (3/5)
When Black farmers are approved, the structure of the loans require them to go to the bank with a USDA county supervisor, he said (3/5)
"If I saw equipment I wanted to buy and it was on sale and I wanted to take advantage of that sale, the county supervisor could say, 'You don't need it,'" the farmer explained.
"If I find good-quality seeds...I have to run 60 miles to his office for him to sign a check." (4/5)
"If I find good-quality seeds...I have to run 60 miles to his office for him to sign a check." (4/5)
Black farmers say their farms are in foreclosure because they accrued high debt — and the penalties continue. What they need, they said, is debt forgiveness, grants, equity and a way to keep the USDA accountable. (5/5)
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