In an interview with Agri-Pulse, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said he’s open to helping aspiring Black farmers acquire the acreage they need by tapping federal land holdings. Vilsack made clear that his goal as secretary is to address the impact of a legacy of discrimination against minority farmers. It’s no longer an issue of just compensating producers who were the victims of discrimination themselves.
Take note: An Agri-Pulse analysis of nearly $24 billion in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments shows how they have been distributed far more widely than traditional forms of government farm assistance. Still, half the money has gone to 5% of the recipients.