BOYDTON,
Va., July 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National
Black Farmers Association (NBFA) is calling for the immediate
resignation of Tractor Supply President Hal
Lawton following the company's recent decision to cut
diversity-focused positions and withdraw its carbon-emissions goals
in response to right-wing pressure.
Boyd calls for President's resignation
after TS cut diversity-focused positions and withdrew its
carbon-emissions goals.
Tractor Supply, one of the country's largest farm-supply
retailers, announced on Thursday (June 27,
2024) that it would refocus on its "85-year-old culture" and
step away from "political agendas." This decision has been met with
outrage from the NBFA, a non-profit organization that
represents tens of thousands of African American farmers and their
families nationwide.
According to Tractor Supply's statement, this decision does not
change the company's commitment to its customers and team members,
and providing a welcoming and respectful environment.
However, NBFA President John
Boyd, a shareholder and customer of Tractor Supply, believes
otherwise.
"Tractor Supply has shown with its broken promises that it has
little respect for black farmers," said Boyd. "As President of
the NBFA, I am appalled by this decision, which is reflective
of the ongoing racial tension and division in America. This affects
our 130,000 members, many of whom regularly shop at Tractor Supply.
Having repeatedly attempted to discuss our concerns with Mr.
Hal Lawton, I am now calling for his
immediate resignation."
Last year, Tractor Supply celebrated its recognition for
pursuing workplace diversity. In its February annual report, the
company stated its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
and announced new initiatives aimed at achieving these goals.
However, the recent decision to roll back these initiatives has
sparked outrage and disappointment among black farmers and their
supporters.
"Diversity and inclusion play a key role in moving our business
forward," Tractor Supply said in its annual report. "Our workforce
is approximately 51% male and 49% female, and racial and ethnic
minorities comprise about 18% of our workforce."
In addition to diversity, Tractor Supply also pledged to cut its
carbon footprint by 20% by 2025 and by 50% by 2030, and to achieve
net-zero emissions across all operations by 2040. These
commitments, along with the company's recognition for its pursuit
of diversity, gave hope to many farmers, especially those from
underrepresented communities.
But as Boyd pointed out, Tractor Supply continues to participate
in predominantly white farm shows and events while snubbing events
and opportunities for black farmers. The company has never
displayed a booth or sponsored an event or training opportunity for
black farmers, denying them the respect and dignity they deserve.
This behavior is reflective of the widespread disdain that still
exists in the agricultural industries towards people of color.
Many sectors of American society have taken action to address
the shameful racial disparities that plague people of color.
However, Tractor Supply has not followed suit. As an association
that represents a substantial customer base for Tractor Supply,
the NBFA believes its members deserve the same consideration
as other agricultural associations and non-profits, who enjoy
discounts on Tractor Supply purchases and program support.
"We deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, not as a
nuisance," said Boyd.
For more information on this matter, please contact NBFA
President John Boyd at
Johnwesleyboydjr@gmail.com or 434-210-2286.
The NBFA is a non-profit organization that represents
African American farmers and their families in the United States. Its education and advocacy
efforts focus on civil rights, land retention, access to loans,
education and agricultural training, and rural economic development
for black and other small farmers.
Contact for more information:
John Boyd
Johnwesleyboydjr@gmail.com
434-210-2286
http://www.JohnBoydJr.com
http://BlackFarmers.org
About National Black Farmers Association
The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) is a non-profit
organization representing African American farmers and their
families in the United States. As
an association, it serves tens of thousands of members nationwide.
NBFA's education and advocacy efforts have been focused on civil
rights, land retention, access to public and private loans,
education and agricultural training, and rural economic development
for black and other small farmers.
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SOURCE National Black Farmers Association