Native American West Carroll farmer discriminated against by USDA Farm Service Agency

Summary

A Native American-owned farm in West Carroll Parish is fighting discrimination by the USDA over a delayed and denied loan to operate their vegetable farm. Despite a 2022 ruling in their favor, the farm owners say they are still facing difficulties in securing funding. Shirley, the farmer’s wife, highlights the importance of their farm in addressing local food shortages. The farm produces carrots, eggplants, and snap beans, but due to delays from the USDA, they are struggling to stay afloat, with no clear timeline for receiving the funds they are owed.

Takeaways

• 🌾 A Native American-owned farm in West Carroll Parish is facing discrimination from the USDA over loan approvals.
• 🚫 The farmer and his wife have been denied and delayed in receiving a loan to operate their vegetable farm.
• 👩‍🌾 The wife, Shirley, explains that the loan was denied after they revealed the farmer's Native American identity.
• 🌱 Their farm provides a valuable service by producing vegetables to help the community, especially in times of food shortages.
• ⏳ The couple has been fighting with the USDA since 1994, despite a 2022 ruling in their favor.
• 💸 The USDA is still delaying their loan approval, pushing the loan process back by another 6 to 8 months.
• 🛑 The lack of funding has left them struggling to stay afloat, impacting the farm’s production and greenhouses.
• 🥕 The farm is the largest of its kind in Louisiana, producing crops like carrots, eggplants, and snap beans.
• 💰 The farm’s guaranteed loan with the bank is being delayed because the USDA has not paid off their previous obligations.
• 📞 Attempts to reach the USDA for comments have not been successful at this time.

Q & A

Who is the anchor of the news segment?

The anchor of the news segment is Kyla Scott.

What is the main story covered in the segment?

The main story is about a Native American-owned farm in West Carroll Parish facing discrimination by the USDA regarding loan approval.

Who is reporting the story on the farm's discrimination case?

NBC 10's Joel Massey is reporting the story.

What type of farm is involved in the dispute with the USDA?

It is a vegetable farm located in West Carroll Parish.

What has the farmer and his wife claimed about their experience with the USDA?

The farmer's wife, Shirley, claims they were denied a loan after the USDA discovered that the farmer was Native American. She believes they have been discriminated against because of their ethnicity and the nature of their farm.

What service does the farm provide to the community, according to Shirley?

Shirley says the farm provides a valuable service by producing vegetables to help address the food shortage in their community.

How long have the farmers been fighting with the USDA over loan approvals?

The farmers have been fighting with the USDA since 1994.

What did the USDA ruling in 2022 determine, and what is the farmers' complaint since then?

The USDA ruling in 2022 determined that the farmers had been discriminated against. However, despite this ruling, they complain that they are still not receiving fair treatment, as their loan approval has been further delayed.

What specific challenges does Carl, the farmer, mention about their current situation?

Carl mentions that they are struggling without an operating loan, making it difficult to get their greenhouses into production, as no funds have been allocated yet. He is uncertain whether they will receive the money needed.

What is the significance of the farm in Louisiana?

The farm is the largest of its kind in Louisiana, producing vegetables like carrots, eggplants, and snap beans, which are essential for addressing food needs in the area.

What response has NBC 10 received from the USDA regarding the case?

NBC 10 has reached out to the USDA for a response, but they have not yet received any comment.