By CultureBanx Team
- Tariffs on U.S. crops make it harder for Black farmers to compete globally
- Rising costs of imported farming equipment cut into already slim profits
Trade wars may seem like a distant game of geopolitics, but they hit the soil too. For Black farmers, who make up less than 2% of U.S. agriculture, they face disproportionate barriers and tariffs on exports and equipment are an existential threat.
Why This Matters: When China imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. soybeans and other crops, prices plunged. White farmers often had access to subsidies to stay afloat, according to Farm Aid. Black farmers, who historically have received less federal support, were left even more vulnerable.
Add to that the rising costs of imported equipment like tractors and irrigation parts, many are farming with outdated gear. This limits productivity and growth potential in an industry already stacked against them.
Despite these challenges, Civil Eats found that Black farmers have been leaders in sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices. But those efforts can’t thrive without equal footing in global trade. Without targeted support or exemption carve-outs, these farmers risk being locked out of crucial markets.
Situational Awareness: A new generation of Black farmers are using heritage farming practices to undo some of the damage brought on by decades of intense tillage by early European settlers. Their practices drove around 50% of the original organic matter from the soil into the sky as carbon dioxide. It’s important to remember that agriculture continues to have a profound impact on climate, contributing 23% of total greenhouse gas emissions, according to an IPCC report.
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