Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICUTLURE, 11/27/19

Warren, one of the leading contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination, laid out a broad platform aimed at leveling the playing field for black farmers and ranchers. Her proposals include offering "real access to land and credit" and attempting to "dismantle the structures in USDA that perpetuate discrimination." Another promise? Appointing an ag secretary "who has a demonstrated commitment to advocating for black farmers," according to the plan.

"Over a century, black farmers were stripped of 80 percent of their farmland, amounting to millions of acres and hundreds of billions of dollars in lost wealth," Warren writes. "This staggering loss didn't happen by accident: It's the result of decades of government-sanctioned discrimination."

If elected, Warren says, she would establish an "equity commission staffed by black, brown and indigenous farmers, researchers and activists" to root out discrimination within federal farm programs. She would also look to protect black land ownership by addressing heirs' property issues; developing a "land trust" to put land in the hands of marginalized communities; and making farm bankruptcy more equitable by lowering income requirements.

For context: Earlier this year, dozens of black farmers and advocates criticized Warren's ag agenda for failing to address structural problems at USDA or provide other support for black producers.