Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), released the following statement after the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they would stop defending benefits for socially disadvantaged farmers in USDA farm loan programs.

“This action by the USDA demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to saving an old vision of America that harkens to some of the darkest days of our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.“Despite what they want us to believe, farmers of every color and creed have helped make American agriculture strong. I was proud to secure funding in the Inflation Reduction Act to help address historic discrimination faced by American farmers at the hands of the USDA. While it wasn’t enough, it was a meaningful attempt toward rebuilding trust with farmers who had been hurt by decades of discrimination. Even today, farmers of color are still denied loans at higher rates than their white counterparts. I will continue to hold USDA’s feet to the fire to ensure that all our nation’s farmers receive the support and assistance they deserve.”

###