National Black Farmers Association

Washington, D.C. - Dr. John Boyd today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419), which passed by a vote of 79 to 14. The farm bill includes a provision that will allow over 74,000 black farmers and their families to have their cases heard based on merits.

“Today is a historic day for black farmers.” said John Boyd, President of the National Black Farmers Association. “I have worked on this bill for over 6 years, and finally thousands of black farmers will receive $50,000.00 per farmer and other relief under the passed legislation.” Boyd continued.

We appreciate Senator Obama's leadership on the issue and sponsoring the legislation in the farm bill, as well as Chairman Harkin's will to include the language. We also appreciate Senator Grassley for his years of commitment on the issue and his amendment to increase funds for the black farmers. “While we continue to loose land and face difficult challenges, discrimination and unfair lending practices by the United States Department of Agriculture, we must continue to move forward for progress.

The passage of (H.R. 2419) is a huge step in the right direction and will offer relief for those black farmers who have been waiting for decades.” Boyd continued. "For all the years I have heard no congress is going to pass legislation to help the black farmers, as well as all the meetings on capital hill where we continued to hear the response of NO, today congress has done the right thing, justice has prevailed.” Boyd concluded. The National Black Farmers Association was founded in 1995. Today the NBFA has over 94,000 members.

For more information please visit our Website www.blackfarmers.org or www.johnwboydjr.com