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United States Department of Agriculture

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Black farmers face new obstacle

A federal program created by the Biden administration to reverse a long-standing history of economic discrimination against Black farmers is on hold. Advocates said the loan forgiveness program is an opportunity to help thousands who have been disadvantaged by decades of unfair treatment, but a conservative law firm in Wisconsin argued it was unconstitutional because White farmers aren't eligible. Natalie Baszile, author of "We Are Each Other's Harvest: Celebrating African American Farmers, Land, and Legacy," joins CBSN to discuss.

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Black-owned farms decreasing in the U.S.

U.S. Department of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack faces criticism from Black farmers for not doing enough under the Obama administration to address systemic racism in farming. Meanwhile, the number of Black-owned farms in the U.S. continues to decline. Founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, John W. Boyd Jr., joins CBSN's Tanya Rivero to discuss his experience and why he has hope for the Justice for Black Farmers Act.

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Democrats debate direction of the USDA

The person President-elect Joe Biden selects to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture will oversee farming policy as well as programs like food stamps and nutrition services. Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina has thrown his support behind Rep. Marcia Fudge of Ohio, leader of the Nutrition and Oversight Subcommittee on the House Agriculture Committee. CBSN political contributor and Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright joins CBSN with analysis.

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