The Next Generation of Black Farmers
The Biden administration's Covid-19 relief package passed through Congress this week, and it had a little reported provision that would be of specific benefit to black farmers. It provides $4 billion in debt relief to disadvantaged farmers. About a quarter of those who qualify are black. Over the past century, black farmers have lost millions of acres in farmland. In 1920, they numbered nearly a million. Today, there are fewer than 50,000. Bruce Michael Wilson, who owns Groundswell Community Farm in Zeeland, wants to help change that. He took over the farm in 2019 and hopes to use it as both a business and as an opportunity to teach the next generation about farming and land stewardship. Stateside theme music is by 14KT. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.