Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 12/14/20

Soon-to-be House Agriculture Chair David Scott (D-Ga.), the first Black lawmaker to hold the Agricultural gavel, says his No. 1 priority for the panel is bringing justice to farmers of color who have long faced discrimination within the industry and in trying to access USDA farm programs.

“There is a new sheriff in town,” Scott said during a webinar hosted by the Southern Economic Advancement Project and the Black Belt Justice Center. “We are going to be at the point of the spear for our Black farmers.”

He also announced plans to hold a first-ever full committee hearing on the status of Black farmers, including testimony from producers, USDA officials and credit experts, among others. “As chairman, I can assure you that our Agriculture Committee will provide leadership in eliminating racial injustice and discrimination in our agriculture industry,” Scott added.