One year later, farmers of color are still waiting on billions of federal relief dollars

The American Rescue Plan promised $4 billion in debt relief to “socially disadvantaged farmers.” But a swarm of lawsuits from banks and white farmers alleging discrimination has put the aid on hold.
Barbara Norman remembers exactly how she felt when she first opened the letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a cold, drab day on her farm in Covert, Michigan. But the letter brightened everything.

It forgave more than a half million dollars she owed the department for various loans she’s taken out over the years.

“I was so relieved … it was amazing,” she said, recalling her initial reaction upon opening the letter.