​How to help

Join the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) in the fight against hunger, prevent land loss, and secure food sovereignty. Donations are needed from concerned individuals, companies and organizations to make it possible for the NBFA to continue its outreach efforts, technical assistance and nationwide advocacy to help socially disadvantaged and limited resource Farmers.



Become A Member Today

Benefits of Membership•access to state and national information concerning Agriculture through newsletters and other special online communication tools;•network with other Black Farmers and agriculture professionals;•participate in high quality, competency-based training and technical assistance activities and events; and•support and be a partner with the National Black Farmers Association, an organization that provides outreach, advocacy and technical assistance nationally and internationally to socially disadvantaged and limited resource farmers. The Annual Membership Fee to join the NBFA is $100. Please click the DONATE button below to join TODAY!

 

Want to get Involved? Join our Let's Get Growing Pledge Campaign to help grow farmers and farm operations in your area. https://form.jotform.com/60028448729966

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​​

Subscribe to receive calls, emails, newsletters and updates from the National Black Farmers Association.

 

Subscribe NOW

 

 

Updates & Latest News

​

BASKERVILLE, Va., July 31, 2024/ -- The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) has championed a major victory for African American farmers and their families in the United States. After years of protests, lawsuits, and failed bills, the organization, led by President John Boyd, has successfully secured a $2.2 billion payout for discrimination in farm lending from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This historic payout comes as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 22007, signed into law by President Biden nearly two years ago.

Approximately 43,000 farmers will each receive payouts of up to $500,000, with the average award being $82,000. These funds are meant to provide financial assistance to farmers who have experienced racial and other forms of discrimination from the USDA prior to 2021. This victory marks a significant step towards justice for Black farmers, who have long been fighting against systematic discrimination in the farming industry. The NBFA, founded by John Boyd 40 years ago, has been at the forefront of this fight and has led the way in advocating for change.

Boyd reflects on the long and difficult road to this victory, stating, “No matter how it is sliced, the $2.2 billion in payouts is historic. In 1999, Black farmers received a $1 billion payout. In 2013, a $1.25 billion payment was made in a late filers’ lawsuit settlement” The NBFA has also been instrumental in paving the way for similar settlements with Hispanic, Women, and Native American farmers, as well as the related Cobell case settlement.

Despite the progress made with this payout, Boyd acknowledges that there are still challenges faced by Black farmers. These include banks denying them access to operating funds and farm ownership loans, as well as recent allegations of racial discrimination by companies like John Deere. However, he sees this victory as a symbol of hope for those still fighting for justice.

Boyd’s decades-long lobbying campaign has not been without its challenges. He has faced hateful phone calls, mail, and even death threats throughout the years, but his determination to fight for the rights of Black farmers has never wavered. He emphasizes that this payout was not a blanket settlement, and that a neutral third-party administrator, Midtown Group, has carefully evaluated each farmers case. The application process was lengthy and complex, compounding the pain and frustration felt by many farmers.

As Boyd reflects on the long journey to this victory, he questions whether it was all worth it. But his answer is a resounding ‘Yes.’ He explains, “The answer is an unqualified ‘Yes’ just for the few moments today of listening to Stephen Benjamin, Senior White House Advisor and Director of Public Engagement, share the details regarding award notifications and check disbursement to DFAP applicants. “This victory is not just for the NBFA, but for all Black farmers and their families who have endured discrimination and struggled to make ends meet.”

To learn more about this historic victory and the ongoing work of the NBFA, please contact John Boyd via email JohnWesleyBoydJr@gmail.com. The National Black Farmers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of African American farmers and their families. Through education, advocacy, and support, the NBFA fights for civil rights, land retention, access to loans, and economic development for Black farmers across the country.