NEW DOCUMENTARY: WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE BLACK FARMERS? - NBC LEFT FIELD (INTRODUCTION)

In production agriculture, the transfer of land and wealth from one generation to the next is as important as rain. All farmers understand this predicament, and know that using conservation, crop insurance and other tools can help alleviate some of the risks associated with farming.  But Black farmers across the south also know first hand that bad weather and pests are not the only hazards that may put you out of business.

We urge you to view this story which details how inequities in access to credit played a huge role in destroying the dreams of a young black sugar cane farmer desiring to follow in the steps of his father- a story all too familiar to us. In the 2018 Farm Bill, the Rural Coalition and its partners were successful in securing critical language on heirs property and equitable farm credit opportunities. The farm bill victories will help, but immediate systemic change at every level is essential in order to build the next generation of new and beginning farmers and ranchers.