All articles tagged with #black farmers
Diesel costs, spiking due to tariffs and war-related shortages, are squeezing US farmers who were already financially stressed by tariff losses and drought, risking higher production costs and tighter margins—especially for small and Black-owned farms—while advocates press for tariff relief and stronger USDA support.
President Trump touted a White House farmers’ gathering, but Black farmers were notably left out, prompting critics to say the administration sidelines farmers of color as costs rise and foreclosures loom, with concerns over DEI policy changes and reduced USDA support.
Black farmers in the U.S. are struggling to survive due to tariffs and market disruptions, despite recent federal relief announcements; they face immediate financial pressures and historical discrimination that has reduced their land ownership and access to support, raising concerns about whether aid will arrive in time to prevent further hardship.
The 2022 agriculture census reveals a decline in the number of American farms, with small farms and Black farmers being the hardest hit, while industrial factory farms continue to expand. Large farms, accounting for only 4% of the total, control two-thirds of US agricultural land, and government subsidies primarily benefit larger, wealthier farms. Climate smart agriculture and conservation practices remain rare, and the US is now rearing more animals on factory farms than ever before, leading to environmental and social concerns.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that allows Black farmers to participate in the state's medical marijuana industry. The legislation, originally focused on telehealth methods for renewing medical marijuana certifications, was amended to address the ongoing issue of licenses for Black farmers. The new law grants licenses to Black farmer applicants who meet certain criteria, including receiving a notice of intent to deny or approve the application from the state Department of Health. Additionally, the bill allows medical marijuana patients in Florida to access telehealth services for the first time.
The Minnesota House passed the recreational cannabis bill on a 71 to 59 vote, and now that Democrats also control the Senate, the bill has its best chance ever to become law. The House bill allows people to have up to 2 ounces in public, and wherever smoking or vaping already isn't allowed, that will stand for cannabis. The other major impact will be wiping minor cannabis convictions off people's records. The Minnesota Senate is expected to vote on this legislation by Friday, and Gov. Tim Walz says he would sign it.