Black farmers across Florida say though they continue to face discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, they are excited that President Joe Biden has unveiled a $5.3 billion relief initiative aimed at providing support to individuals who have faced discrimination within federal government lending programs.
The Inflation Reduction Act, part of Biden’s commitment to addressing historical injustices, includes a total of $5.3 billion dedicated to offering relief to tens of thousands of farmers across the country.
Of the allocated funds, $3.1 billion will be used to assist distressed borrowers pay off their farm debts without losing their land or becoming ineligible for future assistance. An additional $2.2 billion will be used to help Black farmers who have endured discrimination through USDA farm programs. Dr. Latresia Wilson, whose family owns a 25-acre farm in Ocala and leases another 125 acres for grassfed cattle, said she has seen Black farmers lose hope when similar programs have been launched in the past.
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