"The USDA has done its own review and, well-intentioned as
it might be, we nonetheless have an obligation to exercise our
oversight responsibility into these charges. This has implications
not just for the complainants, but for all of USDA as we look
into prospects for the Department's reorganization," Rep.
Goodlatte said.
"This issue will certainly require further review in the
near future. We look forward to hearing from Secretary Glickman
or his representative regarding USDA's efforts to correct any
discriminatory practices. But today, we have an obligation first
to hear the complaints. There is no room in any federal program
for racism. We must, and we are, treating these charges seriously,"
Goodlatte said.
"There are several reasons why the number of minority and
limited resource farmers are declining so rapidly, but the one
that has been documented time and again is the discriminatory
environment present in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
very agency established by the U.S. government to accommodate
the special needs of all farmers and ranchers," said Rep.
Eva Clayton (D-NC), the Subcommittee's ranking Democrat.
"It is terribly important that we do all within our power
to ensure that each and every producer is able to farm without
the additional burden of institutional racism rearing its ugly
head," Rep. Clayton said.
Officials of the General Accounting Office testified concerning
their report, issued on January 24, 1997, on the treatment of
minorities by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). GAO's review
found 28 cases in which discrimination was alleged on the basis
of race or national origin, though GAO found that in 26 of those
cases, no discrimination was indicated.
However, minority and limited resource producers - including representatives
of the National Black Farmers Association, the Land Loss Prevention
Project, Women Involved in Farm Economics, the Intertribal Agriculture
Council, the California Highlander Cooperative, and Hmong National
Development, Inc. - testified that they frequently feel discriminated
against in USDA operations and programs.
Goodlatte, whose subcommittee has jurisdiction over USDA's internal
operations, represents Virginia's Sixth Congressional District,
which includes Roanoke, Lynchburg, and the Shenandoah Valley.