During the tariff wars, particularly under the Trump administration, many farmers across the U.S. voiced concerns about the impact of retaliatory tariffs from countries like China. However, Black farmers were notably quieter in the public discourse. This silence is not due to a lack of impact but rather a deeper, more historical context. Black farmers have long faced systemic discrimination from government agencies, especially the USDA, which denied them loans, subsidies, and other forms of support routinely given to white farmers. Because of this long-standing marginalization, many Black farmers do not expect fair treatment in the first place and therefore feel it is not worth complaining.
The number of Black farmers in the U.S. has also drastically declined over the last century, making our collective voice smaller and more easily overlooked. In 1920, there were nearly a million Black farmers but today, that number is estimated to be fewer than 50,000. Centuries of discriminatory policies, land theft, and lack of institutional support have pushed many Black families out of agriculture entirely. With fewer Black farmers in operation, their economic and political influence during events like the tariff wars is minimal, and our struggles often go unnoticed in the broader agricultural narrative.
Furthermore, many Black farmers have learned through experience that speaking out does not always lead to change but instead, it can bring further scrutiny or retaliation. This historical context contributes to a culture of resilience and caution. For some, the idea of voicing their frustration during the tariff wars felt like shouting into the void. Rather than complain publicly, many continued to adapt quietly, drawing on generations of perseverance in a system that has rarely worked in our favor.
Here is our information: Tiffany’s Farm PO BOX 772 Barnesville, GA 30204