Boyd Applauds Senate on Passage of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Bill with Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color
March 6, 2021--For Immediate Release
Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color Act will provide$5 billion in direct payments to historically-underserved farmers of color to pay off federal loans, expand land access and opportunities
WASHINGTON – Today, John W. Boyd, Jr., founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed funding - as part of a larger bill "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" - for the Emergency Relief for Farmers of Color
"With today's action, we are one more important step closer to bringing emergency debt relief to Black, Native American and other Farmers of Color in this country. Generations of discriminatory behavior by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has contributed to significant economic differences between white farmers and farmers of color that directly impact their access to credit. Sec. 1005 and Sec. 1006 of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will help address the ongoing effects of discrimination by reducing the risk of foreclosure and increasing access to credit.
It is important to recognize the White House, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senate Agriculture Chair Stabenow and members Senators Booker and Warnock.
The NBFA was deeply disappointed by anti-Black farmer amendments offered by Senators Toomey, Tillis, Daines, Tuberville, Johnson and Braun to weaken or delete sections of H.R. 1319 designed to provide debt relief to Black farmers and other farmers of color.
The long history of USDA discrimination against Black farmers and other farmers of color is not in dispute. For decades, USDA delayed or denied Black farmers the same loans and payments provided to white farmers.
After a vote of 50-49, the Bill heads back to the House for final passage next week.
We look forward to working with Agriculture Chairman David Scott and other leaders to ensure passage there as soon as possible. Every delay means the likelihood of more farm foreclosures and more black and other farmers of color losing their farms."
For more information on Section 1005 and Section 1006 Click Here
Photo Courtesy of National Black Farmers Association
For interviews, please contact John Boyd at Johnwesleyboydjr@gmail.com or at 804-691-8528.
