In recognition of Black History Month, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) convened a virtual roundtable on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, titled "The State of Black Farmers and Agriculture." Led by Representatives Sanford Bishop and Shontel Brown, the discussion brought together CBC Members and external partners, including policy experts, advocates, and stakeholders across the agricultural community.

The roundtable provided an opportunity to honor the historic legacy and contributions of Black farmers while examining the significant challenges facing Black-owned agricultural operations today. Participants discussed the long history of discrimination in federal agricultural programs and the structural barriers that continue to limit equitable access to resources, land ownership, and economic opportunity.

During the discussion, experts and stakeholders highlighted several pressing concerns, including recent administrative actions affecting programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the elimination of "socially disadvantaged" designations, trade and tariff pressures, rural infrastructure gaps, heirs' property barriers, and funding cuts impacting technical assistance organizations that support Black farmers and producers. Participants also raised concerns that many Black farmers have not benefited from the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, citing delays in payments and structural barriers that have limited equitable access to relief funding.

The conversation also underscored the broader economic impact of these policy decisions on the Black farmer economy and the urgent need to protect and restore programs that support historically underserved producers. CBC Members emphasized the importance of strong congressional oversight, advancing legislative reforms in the upcoming Farm Bill, and developing strategies to ensure Black farmers have equitable access to federal agricultural programs and resources.

The roundtable reflects the CBC's continued commitment to uplifting Black farmers and safeguarding the future of Black agriculture. Members and participants also committed to strengthening coordination between the Caucus and Black agricultural advocacy organizations as part of ongoing efforts to support Black farmers and rural communities across the country.

Members in Attendance:

• U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA-02)

• U.S. Representative Shontel Brown (D-OH-11)

Participants:

• John Boyd Jr., Founder & President, National Black Farmers Association

• Shirley Sherrod, Co-Founder, New Communities Inc.; Southwest Georgia farmer

• Christi Bland, Representative, National Black Growers Council