Provide Lending, Grant, and Capital Options to Black Farmers

WHEREAS, According to Data for Progress, referenced in an article written by NPR in 2023, over the course of 100 years, the amount of Black-owned farmland dropped by 90% due to higher rates of loan and credit denials, lack of legal and industry support and "outright acts of violence and intimidation;" and

WHEREAS, As part of the American Rescue Plan, the early 2020 pandemic relief bill, lawmakers approved $5 billion toward debt relief and cancellation for farmers of color. But the program was swiftly blocked by approximately 12 lawsuits; and

WHEREAS, Black farmers have reported and alleged that they have been denied access to assistance and inclusion due to racial discrimination.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will work with Black farmers to obtain appropriated funds from Congress in fiscal year 2024 to compensate them for discriminatory practices by the Department of Agriculture.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NAACP demands that the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Department of Agriculture make readily available to Black farmers information, applications, and the process on how to access capital through grant and loan programs.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, the NAACP demands that Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions provide a toolkit for Black farmers on how to access capital and other opportunities.