Stephen Crowley/The New York Times (2002)
“Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” -Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from Birmingham Jail
After decades of documented discrimination of BIPOC farmers by the USDA, recognizing the unequal impact of COVID, Congress included funding in the American Rescue Plan Act to assist BIPOC farmers in paying off Farm Service Agency loans.
On Thursday, June 10, a federal judge placed a temporary restraining order on the program in response to a lawsuit claiming discrimination against white farmers, putting on hold the promised debt relief. Read more from the Washington Post.
For 30 years, Equity Trust has advocated for more equitable access to land and resources and we must continue to challenge deep systemic problems. Equity Trust supports the Rural Coalition’s statement deploring the judge’s decision. Sign on your organization here.
Statement by the HEAL Food Alliance & Members & Allies
June 2021