Equitable Funding and Resources for Black Farmers

WHEREAS, Black farmers in the United States have historically faced systemic discrimination in accessing resources, loans, land, and markets, leading to a significant decline in their numbers and land ownership over the past century; and

WHEREAS, The loss of Black-owned farmland has adversely impacted economic stability, food sovereignty, and generational wealth within Black communities; and

WHEREAS, Government programs and private organizations have frequently not met the needs of Black farmers fairly, which continues to reinforce inequalities in agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Increasing access to funding, education, technical assistance, and land for Black farmers is a critical step toward achieving equity and sustainability in agricultural practices.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP reaffirms its past resolutions in 1999, 2021, and 2023.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP urges federal, state, and local governments to prioritize policies that eliminate discriminatory practices within agricultural programs and institutions that impact the production and distribution of food nationally and internationally.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP calls for the establishment and expansion of grants, low-interest loans, and financial incentives, plus the creation of targeted programs, technical assistance specifically aimed at supporting Black farmers, particularly first-generation farmers and those seeking to expand their operations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP promotes the establishment of community-based agriculture programs within urban areas that provide education on land ownership and regenerative agriculture.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP urges Congress to appropriate additional funding to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through land grants, and National Institute of Health funding for STEM programs related to agriculture.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP where necessary, would encourage the Department of Agriculture to hold thorough investigations into ongoing cases of discrimination against Black farmers, providing reparative actions taken where necessary, including expedited compensation and support.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP encourages the Department of Agriculture to keep an accurate and searchable record of transactions, and to hold thorough investigations into ongoing investigations of discrimination.