Following the Black Lives Matter protests that resulted in the murder of George Floyd, leading tractor equipment company John Deere created a partnership in an effort to assist Black farmers. 

As part of its commitment to supporting Black farmers, the Legislations, Education, Advocacy, and Production (LEAP) has been formed and is developing this program in partnership with the National Growers Council as well as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).  

In conjunction with the Land Assistance Fund, they will work together to eliminate barriers caused by Heirs Property. 

In an exclusive interview, Director of Land Retention and Advocacy at the Federation Dania Davy expressed her satisfaction with John Deere’s continuing support of the Federation. Davy goes on to say that the Federation has supported Black farmers for over 50 years.  

The company has also provided funding this summer to three legal interns from historically black universities that will assist Black families with their Heir’s Property issues as well as providing necessary resources that will improve the lives of Black farmers. 

Intern Toria Rotibi shared that Black land ownership is essential because, in the United States, land equates to power and wealth. She goes on to say that many of the methods for acquiring black property have stemmed from a long history of discrimination and systemic racism.  

John Deere believes this partnership is one of the steps toward a brighter future for Black farmers.  

John Deere’s head of global talent supply and diversity/inclusion, Andre Carberry, released a statement stating that the company is working with its many partners to eliminate the barriers created by the heir’s property and develop an environment that will eradicate this issue.