For Minority Farmers, a Chance for Justice
3 March 2008
Thanks to advocacy work by Oxfam America and partners, the new Farm Bill could begin to address a history of discrimination in US agriculture programs.
On January 25, a historic gathering spoke before US congressional staff in Washington, DC. Oxfam America’s partner the Farm and Food Policy Diversity Initiative brought together groups representing African-American, American Indian, Latino, and Asian-American farmers and ranchers. Together, they reached out to their respective congressional caucuses and asked them to sign off on and strengthen key provisions in the new Farm Bill that could benefit US farmers of color.
Although farmers and ranchers of color are the fastest-growing sector of agricultural owners and operators in the country, they often fight an uphill battle: Oxfam’s 2007 report, Shut Out, revealed that they receive few or no benefits from current US farm programs. A legacy of discrimination means that they need new resources in order to be on a level playing field with other farmers who have had access to more benefits and services in the past. They also need stronger policies that will hold the US government accountable for providing equal access to programs.
While the groups taking part the January 25 briefing voiced many different needs, all participants shared a belief in the importance of Farm Bill reform. For example, Yarbrough Williams, a North Carolina farmer, spoke about the need for a Farm Bill that guarantees equal access to loans for farmers of color. “I would like to see a system to make sure the loan officers are doing their job, serving the whole community,” said Williams.
Thanks in part to extensive advocacy work by Oxfam and its partners, the proposed House and Senate versions of US Farm Bill contain several important provisions that could help guarantee fair treatment. These include:
- Increased resources for farmers and ranchers of color
- Improved accountability and transparency to ensure that farmers of color receive equal access to US farm programs
- Measures to address past discrimination
In the weeks ahead, Congressional negotiators will meet to try to reconcile the US House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill before sending it to President Bush for approval. These gains may be at risk if Congress cannot agree on a final version of the bill—so Oxfam and our allies will continue to advocate for these important measures.
Oxfam America also continues to campaign for the reform of US agricultural subsidies that distort trade and harm poor farmers here and abroad. Current versions of the bill do not address the fundamental unfairness of subsidy payments.
“These potential gains for farmers of color show that farm policy can address a historic injustice—and that Congress has the power to create legislation that meets the needs of real people,” said Liam Brody, Oxfam’s Farm Bill campaign manager. “Now, it is more critical than ever to ensure that a fair and just US Farm Bill emerges at the end of the process.”
