Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-12
AID FOR NEGRO FARMERS
BY FREDERIC J. HASKIN.

This, then. is the channel through
which the Federal Farm Board hopes
to help the small Negro farmer OF the
South. The board cannot deal directly
with the individual farmers OF the
country. There are too many OF them.
The administrative cost would be TOO
large to bear. It, therefore, deals with
co-operatives. Large sums are sd-
vanced to these groups Of farmers and
granting the local aid, not 80 much
through direct loans, but through pro-
viding warehouse facilities which can
store crops until the most advantageous
time to market them. This the small
individual could not afford to do alone.
Inasmuch as the total value Of the CO.
operative members crop Is materially
enhanced by this process, collective
equity is built up adequate to secure
such advances as the Government
makes through the board.
Negro Initiative Needed.
But the individuals must act Negro
leaders have been told by board repre-
sentatives that II they will organize the
individual farmers of their race in the
South they can have as much assistance
as the most powerful white organiza-
ton. The initiative, however, must
come from them.
There is one organization Of Negro
farmers in the South which probably
will be instrumental in bringing about
this important reform. It Is called the
Negro Farmers Conference and once
year holds q meeting Of representatives.
The conference was organized many
years ago by the late Booker z. Wash
ington, head Of Tuskegee Institute, for
the very purpose of uplifting the con-
dition of the small Negro tiller OF the
soil. 1t Is loose organization and its
activities are advisory rather than OPP
erative. That is, it has no facilities for
marketing crops or granting direct aid
to farmers of the race.
DR.. r. r. Motion, now head Of Tus-
kegee, who has been the chief factor In
enlisting the aid Of the Federal Farm
Board, has worked through the confer
ence and at It's recent annual session
the delegates had explained to them the
manner in which they must go about
obtaining the aid in marketing which
the board can give under proper cordi-
tions.
They were frankly told not to attempt
any means save organization OF their
own local units with officers and oper-
ating men Of their own race. This will
forestall any of the discrimination on
The part Of whites, which in the past has
excluded the Negro.
High Interest Rates:
One of the great troubles of Negroes
as well as white men in the South for
many years has been the high prevailing
rate Of interest. Rates run as high as
and 10 per cent and with payments OF
renewal commissions actually exceed
these figures. The Negro farmer can
not afford to borrow money on such
terms. The white one cannot, for that
matter. Under the new marketing plan
that situation Is greatly relieved. The
board has advanced money at rates as
low as 312 per cent. II the Negro farm
err of the South will organize In such a
manner as to gain access to these funds,
it is believed his economic status win be
so greatly improved that he will win to
greater independence and that actual
ownership Of an increased number Of
farms by Negroes win be . result.