Black farmers across the nation have historically experienced discrimination from both the public and the private sectors. Many Black farmers who were denied government loans, emergency or disaster assistance, and other aid, have lost their farms and their homes. Latino farmers have also been historically marginalized and lack access to the financing opportunities to transition and thrive in indigenous, regenerative and sustainable farming and ranching operations. “In the United States and throughout Mexico and Central and South America, Latino farmers, whose common bond is their agrarian roots and language, are systematically left out of the decision-making processes.

Many CDFI credit unions operate in rural communities and could become that source of capital to these underserved farmers and ranchers. How can they leverage USDA resources to strengthen these markets?