Scott Praises USDA’s Action to Protect Farmers from Foreclosure
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced action to keep farmers on their land as the Department works to implement relief provided by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA):
“On Friday, the USDA announced actions to protect distressed borrowers from farm foreclosure, ensuring farmers are not forced off their land when help is on the way. Last month, I led a letter with Representatives Butterfield, McEachin, and Carbajal urging USDA to take such action to protect borrowers with at-risk agricultural operations as the Department works to implement longer-term relief provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. This action is good news for farmers and our nation’s food security.
“In addition to providing relief for borrowers with at-risk agricultural operations, the IRA includes long overdue assistance for farmers who have endured discrimination in our farm lending programs. Black farmers alone lost $326 billion worth of land during the 20th century due to state-sanctioned discrimination. As the relief Congress provided in the IRA is implemented, I am pleased that farmers, especially those who may be eligible for both debt relief and financial assistance due to past discrimination, will not face foreclosure.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the USDA to support America’s farmers and ensure fairness in farm lending.”
To read Congressman Scott’s letter to Secretary Vilsack, click HERE.
Congressman Scott has long advocated for farmers who have been victims of discrimination in farm lending. In 2006, Congressman Scott introduced bipartisan legislation designed to help thousands of Black farmers who were denied entry into the Pigford v. Glickman settlement due to procedural issues. Provisions of that legislation were ultimately included in the 2008 Farm bill.
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