As the New York Times reported, black farmers in Georgia are increasingly disillusioned with President Biden, and their potential shift away from the Democratic Party could pose challenges for Biden in the upcoming November elections.
John Slaughter, a 39-year-old Buena Vista, Ga. farmer, expressed his frustration, comparing the current administration unfavourably to the previous one.
“President Trump did something for us while he was in office. President Biden, what have you done for me?” Slaughter said. During Trump’s presidency, an administrative error affecting Slaughter’s family farm was resolved, allowing them to reclaim their property deed.
However, his farm is inactive, and he hopes government funds to purchase new equipment.
Other Black farmers echoed Slaughter’s sentiments. Vegetable farmer Andrew L. Smith Sr., who previously supported Biden, is now contemplating voting Republican.
Smith’s dissatisfaction stems from unfulfilled promises, particularly regarding compensation for systemic discrimination. He reported being unable to apply for relief funds due to lacking proper documentation of his family’s discriminatory experiences.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has acknowledged the historical systemic racism faced by Black farmers, citing discriminatory lending practices.
At a recent event in Albany, Ga., Vilsack highlighted Biden’s policies to support Black farmers, including provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated $2.2 billion for those discriminated against through USDA farm programs. Additionally, a $ 3.1 billion program was established to assist farmers in paying off debts.
Despite these efforts, the Times he was reported that funds intended for those subjected to discriminatory practices had not been distributed. This has led to frustration among Black farmers, including John Boyd Jr., President of the National Black Farmers Association.
Boyd criticized the Biden administration for failing to deliver promised debt relief and expressed his disappointment on Fox News.
“This administration has let down America’s Black farmers and other farmers of colour,” Boyd told “Fox & Friends First” co-host Todd Piro. He recounted how a promised meeting with the president to discuss the 120% debt relief never materialized, viewing it as a broken promise.
When asked for comment, the Biden campaign emphasized the administration’s achievements, including historic lows in Black unemployment and unprecedented debt relief for historically underserved farmers.
The campaign contrasted Biden’s efforts with Trump’s lack of presence in Georgia, asserting their commitment to earning every vote.
As the November elections approach, the sentiments of Black farmers in Georgia may play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape, potentially influencing the outcome in a critical battleground state.
