Hey QC Family,
We have GOT to talk about a critical issue that’s been impacting us for over a century: the sharp decline of Black farmers in America. Why is this happening, and what can we do to change the narrative? This post aims to shed light on this troubling trend by looking at historical facts and the reasons behind the dwindling numbers.
Pre-Great Depression Era
Let's start with a bit of history. At the peak in 1910, there were nearly one million black farmers, making up about 14% of all farmers in the United States. These farmers owned a combined 15 million acres of land. Agriculture wasn’t just a job; it was a way of life and a cornerstone for economic stability within the black community.
The Great Depression and Beyond
The Great Depression hit everyone hard, but black farmers were disproportionately affected. By 1930, the number had fallen to around 900,000, owning just under 8 million acres. After that, the decline accelerated. By 1978, black farmers were down to just over 6,000, owning approximately 3 million acres.
What's Behind the Decline?
Institutional Racism: Discrimination from both governmental agencies and private entities made it difficult for black farmers to access credit, federal subsidies, and land.
Heir Property Issues: Due to a lack of estate planning and complex inheritance laws, much of the land owned by Black farmers has been classified as "heirs’ property," making it easier for developers to acquire and leading to land loss within the community.
Urban Migration: The Great Migration saw large numbers of Black individuals moving to cities for industrial jobs, leading to a decrease in interest and involvement in farming.
Technological Advancements: Industrial agriculture favored large, consolidated farms. Small family farms, many of which were Black-owned, could not compete.
Globalization: The surge in cheap imports made it difficult for small farmers to match prices, leading to financial struggles and, ultimately, farm loss.
Lack of Representation: Fewer Black farmers mean fewer advocates for equitable policies, creating a cycle that perpetuates the decline.
The Now and What's Next
As of the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Black farmers make up less than 2% of all farmers, owning a mere 4.7 million acres of land collectively. That's a steep fall from the past and signals a need for urgent action. It's more than just a decline; it's a crisis. We need to push for reforms that remove these barriers and open the doors wide for the next generation of black farmers.
Current Policies That Need Attention
Farm Subsidy Programs: These often favor large, industrial farms over small, family-run operations. An alternative could be tiered subsidies that also provide meaningful support to small farms.
Land Access Policies: Current policies make it difficult for new farmers, especially those from minority backgrounds, to access land. Land trusts for minority farmers could be an alternative.
Credit Access: Discriminatory lending practices make it hard for black farmers to secure loans. Implementing stricter regulations against discriminatory lending could help level the playing field.
Moving Forward
This isn’t just about numbers; it's about the erosion of a way of life, economic empowerment, and cultural heritage. We need to push for policy changes that offer equitable access to resources and challenge systemic barriers. Also, as a community, let's work to inspire the next generation to see the value and importance of farming.
The decline of black farmers is a story that's been told for too long. It's time to write a new chapter. Till next time, let’s keep plowing ahead, aiming to make the future brighter than the past.
With all due respect to the legacy,
The QC
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