BOYDTON,
Va., July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National
Black Farmers Association (NBFA) has championed a major victory for
African American farmers and their families in the United States. After years of protests,
lawsuits, and failed bills, the organization, led by President
John Boyd, has successfully secured
a $2.2 billion payout for
discrimination in farm lending from the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA). This historic payout comes as a result of the
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 22007, signed into law by
President Biden nearly two years ago.
"No matter how it is sliced, the
$2.2 billion in payouts is
historic."
Approximately 43,000 farmers will each receive payouts of up to
$500,000, with the average award
being $82,000. These funds are meant
to provide financial assistance to farmers who have experienced
racial and other forms of discrimination from the USDA prior to
2021. This victory marks a significant step towards justice for
Black farmers, who have long been fighting against systematic
discrimination in the farming industry. The NBFA, founded by
John Boyd 40 years ago, has been at
the forefront of this fight and has led the way in advocating for
change.
Boyd reflects on the long and difficult road to this victory,
stating, "No matter how it is sliced, the $2.2 billion in payouts is historic. In 1999,
Black farmers received a $1 billion
payout. In 2013, a $1.25 billion
payment was made in a late filers' lawsuit settlement." The NBFA
has also been instrumental in paving the way for similar
settlements with Hispanic, Women, and Native American farmers, as
well as the related Cobell case settlement.
Despite the progress made with this payout, Boyd acknowledges
that there are still challenges faced by Black farmers. These
include banks denying them access to operating funds and farm
ownership loans, as well as recent allegations of racial
discrimination by companies like John Deere. However, he sees this
victory as a symbol of hope for those still fighting for
justice.
Boyd's decades-long lobbying campaign has not been without its
challenges. He has faced hateful phone calls, mail, and even death
threats throughout the years, but his determination to fight for
the rights of Black farmers has never wavered. He emphasizes that
this payout was not a blanket settlement, and that a neutral
third-party administrator, Midtown Group, has carefully evaluated
each farmer's case. The application process was lengthy and
complex, compounding the pain and frustration felt by many
farmers.
As Boyd reflects on the long journey to this victory, he
questions whether it was all worth it. But his answer is a
resounding "Yes." He explains, "The answer is an unqualified 'Yes,'
just for the few moments today of listening to Stephen Benjamin, Senior White House Advisor and
Director of Public Engagement, share the details regarding award
notifications and check disbursement to DFAP applicants. That made
it all worthwhile." This victory is not just for the NBFA, but for
all Black farmers and their families who have endured
discrimination and struggled to make ends meet.
To learn more about this historic victory and the ongoing work
of the NBFA, please contact John
Boyd via email JohnWesleyBoydJr@gmail.com. The National
Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to
advocating for the rights and well-being of African American
farmers and their families. Through education, advocacy, and
support, the NBFA fights for civil rights, land retention, access
to loans, and economic development for Black farmers across the
country.
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