Source:  POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 8/3/20

Former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign on Friday hosted a webinar featuring former Agriculture Secretary and Democratic Senate candidate Mike Espy, with panelists from the National Black Growers Council, 100 Ranchers and others who discussed historical barriers farmers of color face in the industry.

“There's not enough funding in order to have Black farmers and Black land owners have their land improve and produce at the level of our white neighbors,” said PJ Haynie III of the National Black Growers Council. Haynie III called Biden’s push for a Farm Land Purchase Assistance Program “essential” and wants Biden to look into improving loan programs.

Espy praised Biden’s plan to address racial inequities among Black, Brown and Native farmers. The document calls out USDA for historically neglecting farmers of color and outlines steps that, if elected, Biden would take to bridge the gaps. Espy argued Biden would be able to advocate on behalf of farmers of color to secure access to grants and improve market access.

Biden’s plan touches on preserving generational land, support for local farmers’ markets, the inclusion of farmers of color in USDA research and a streamlined complaint process.

A call for more diverse leaders: Espy noted minority farmers are less likely to hold power at the local and national level, which results in Black applicants being overlooked for loans and credit. “If there's one thing … Biden could do to elevate the capacity of African American farmers, young farmers, is make sure that in all of these 50 states that there is a minority state director or a state director with sensitivity to the minority,” Espy said.