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Aid for minority farmers in COVID relief package

Unprecedented financial and other aid for minority farmers is part of the COVID-19 stimulus package that has passed out of the House Ag Committee. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos of Illinois supports it.

“I am so proud to be part of this historic effort to ag Black farmers and other farmers of color and other farmers of color that will help them sustain a life in agriculture.”

Bustos says the policies will provide support by building up opportunities and tearing down barriers for black, indigenous and other people of color, “Who face obstacles to accessing land, credit and capital to own and operate their farms.”

Farmers who qualify as socially disadvantaged will be eligible for payments worth 120% of their debt on USDA farm and storage loans.

The Emergency Relief Fund for Farmers of Color Act also dedicates $1-Billion dollars to minority colleges and universities that assist minority farmers and forest owners.

The measure is supported by National Farmers Union and the National Black Farmers Association.