Fwd: Action for farmers: support BIPOC debt relief program

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Nicole Sugerman

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Jul 29, 2021, 5:13:43 PM7/29/21

to Philadelphia Urban Farm Network, soil-generati...@googlegroups.com

Hi all!

I'm helping to amplify support for USDA's BIPOC debt relief program by plugging farmers into a social media campaign to speak out in favor of the program. This opportunity is open to farmers of all races and geographies. See below for more details and get in touch with any questions. Apologies for cross-posts.

Thank you,
Nicole

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Nicole Sugerman <nsug...@tidescenter.org>
Date: Thu, Jul 29, 2021 at 4:21 PM
Subject: Action for farmers: support BIPOC debt relief program
To: <nesawg-c...@googlegroups.com>

Hi all,

Sending a quick opportunity to fight the judicial hold-ups of USDA's BIPOC debt relief program.

To review the situation: In June, federal judges in two states put temporary restraining orders stopping a USDA initiative to forgive debt owed by BIPOC farmers. Civil rights groups had lauded the debt-relief initiative as a step in the right direction toward reversing decades of USDA discrimination agains BIPOC farmers, which has contributed to BIPOC land loss and exacerbated barriers to entry for new and beginning farmers of color. BIPOC communities have continued to suffer disproportionately throughout the COVID pandemic, from greater rates of sickness and death to receiving smaller shares of governmental aid.

We can counter the narrative being put forth by the groups suing to stop the program and let them know we stand together, regardless of race, across geography, and from all family backgrounds to stand up for what we all deserve: thriving family farms and the ability to maintain livelihoods for ourselves and future generations.

If you are a farmer, tell us why you support the BIPOC debt relief program.

Send a picture to nic...@nesawg.org of you and your farm
Include a 2-3 line statement about your support. You can use one of the following prompts:
- “I support BIPOC farmers because. . .”
- “The debt relief program is important to me because. . .”
- “As a [identity], I know this is important because . . . (identities could be: Black farmer, White farmer, Latinx farmer, woman, parent, neighbor, etc.)
- "When BIPOC farmers win, we all win because. . ."

In partnership with Farm Aid and a coalition of organizations working to fight the blocks to the program, we will combine your statement & graphic and work with you to disseminate it widely via social media.

If you want help framing your support, let me know! I would be happy to help.

More information:

I'm a Black Farmer. I've Been Waiting for Justice my Whole Life | Newsweek

Justice Delayed, Justice Denied: Congress Passed Aid for Farmers of Color. Now, we need follow through. | HEAL Food Alliance

Reach out with any questions!

Best,

Nicole

Nicole Sugerman

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Policy Manager | Philadelphia, PA

Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NESAWG)

nic...@nesawg.org | www.nesawg.org