John Boyd Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Association, spoke with Fox News Digital, expressing deep concerns about the state of the farming industry under President Biden’s policies.
Despite vows of a White House meeting to address farming issues, Boyd shared his disappointment in the administration’s lack of action, particularly in delivering debt relief for American farmers.
He criticized the allocation of millions to foreign countries while American farms face foreclosure, disclosing that Biden and his government have betrayed them, refusing to keep its promises.
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“Quite frankly, we’re facing extinction today,” Boyd Jr., a fourth-generation farmer from Mecklenburg County, Virginia, said on Sunday, February 18.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.President Biden speaks during the United Auto Workers union conference at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., Jan. 24, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
He pointed out the contradiction of providing financial relief to Ukraine and Israel while neglecting the struggles of domestic farmers.
“Every time I look at the news, there’s another commitment to help foreign countries. We probably helped Ukraine, probably $100 billion or so, and we can’t get debt relief for American citizens in this country,” Boyd said.
The rising price of farmland and the challenges faced by small farmers, especially Black farmers battling racial discrimination allegations with the USDA, underscores the urgency of the situation.
The veteran farmer emphasized the impact on specific sectors like beef cattle farming, citing a significant decrease in production and the visible effects on livestock markets.
Boyd painted a stark picture of empty stalls where, historically, farmers would sell their livestock to cover debts and expenses, highlighting the dire consequences of not investing in American farmers.
Boyd’s concerns extended beyond the immediate challenges, predicting that without substantial changes in the next five to 10 years, the farming industry may fail to meet the country’s needs.
He pleaded for comprehensive laws to protect American farmers, positioning them as crucial contributors to the nation’s well-being.
He criticized Biden’s consistent investment in foreign countries with uncertain returns, contrasting it with the potential benefits of directing those resources to domestic infrastructure, particularly supporting American farmers.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data.John Boyd Jr. He claims that Biden lied to farmers and now has all his attention in helping foreign countries. (Fox News)
Boyd stressed that helping farmers should not be a partisan issue and expressed hope for the Biden administration to fulfill its promise to engage in a meaningful discussion on these critical matters.
In response, the White House acknowledged Boyd’s contributions and insights, mentioning an invitation to an event focused on advancing equity and opportunity in agriculture.
The statement emphasized efforts to support rural communities, including Black farmers, through investments like the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA assistance, and initiatives to improve land access opportunities.
“We appreciate the work John Boyd, Jr. does on behalf of Black farmers nationwide as the National Black Farmers Association president, as well as the insights he provides on the struggles Black farmers are facing,” a White House spokesman said.
“This is why we recently invited him to an event with senior White House officials, including Office of Public Engagement Director Mayor Benjamin and Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden, as well as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, specifically focused on advancing equity and opportunity in agriculture,” the statement said.
