Minneapolis Tattoo Artist Strives to Become Rare Black Farmer in Minnesota
TL/DR –
In July, the Biden administration provided $2 billion to farmers who were previously discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a practice that can be traced back to the New Deal era when Black farmers received less federal aid compared to white farmers. The payments were authorized through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which was created in response to admissions of wrongdoing by federal officials in the 1980s and subsequent class action lawsuits from Black farmers. However, few Minnesota farmers have received the grants due to difficulties in documenting discrimination, prompting calls from local politicians for more support for minority growers in farm programs.
Biden Administration Provides Financial Aid to Discriminated Farmers
In an unprecedented move, the Biden administration dispersed $2 billion in July to farmers who had experienced discrimination due to past practices at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This push for restorative justice in agriculture is rooted in the New Deal era, when Black farmers received less federal aid than their white counterparts.
Addressing Decades-Old Discrimination
By the 1980s, federal officials began acknowledging these discriminatory practices, leading to class action lawsuits filed by Black farmers. The financial compensation for these farmers was authorized as a part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
Creating Opportunities for Farmers to Share Their Stories
USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small explained the necessity of an application that allowed aggrieved farmers, ranchers, and landowners to voice their experiences. This initiative facilitated a platform for their stories to be heard and addressed.
Minnesota’s Challenge with Documenting Discrimination
Despite the large-scale financial aid, few Minnesota farmers have benefitted. Experts attribute this to the difficulty in documenting discrimination. Senator Tina Smith, D-Minn., however, has advocated for increased support for minority growers in farming programs, highlighting that the absence of documented cases doesn’t negate the presence of discrimination.
Proposing Changes in Farm Policy
Last year, Smith raised the need to challenge the status quo in agriculture at a meeting at the Good Acre, a food hub in Falcon Heights. She emphasized the necessity of reforming farm policy to make it more inclusive and beneficial for a larger population.
Support for Farmers of Color at State Level
The Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Walz have also been proactive in promoting racial equality in agriculture. They have instigated a down payment assistance grant to aid beginning farmers, with a particular focus on producers of color, in acquiring land ownership.
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