Black Farmers in Delaware, Part 3: Two Farmers and Hope for the Future

Jessica Clark • October 1, 2024


Twenty-five years ago, Black farmer James (Tim) Harmon, a resident of Jimtown near Lewes, Delaware, rented farmland in Rehoboth and Angola.

 

Through the years he saved to buy five acres of land, build a house and a shed to house three combines, five tractors and attachments, and trucks for hauling grain. He now owns and rents 225 acres in Sussex County where he grows corn, soybeans, barley, and wheat.

 

Having no formal agricultural education, Tim worked with and learned from his father and his uncle. His father rented farmland in Rehoboth, Oak Orchard, Millsboro, and Milton. Tim learned to repair all equipment. His son, who works full time, helps during planting and harvesting. 

 

As a Black man, he applied for only one federal loan about five years ago and did not experience any discrimination. 

 

Surrounded by upscale housing developments about one mile in all directions from his five-acre home, and in his late fifties, he is still not tempted to sell his property. And, he said, “God has blessed me. When farmland [I’ve rented] is sold, I have been able to find other farmland and been able to bounce back.” 

 

Seventy-six-year-old Seaford resident, Chris Thompson, states, “I will hold on as long as I can.” Chris rents farmland in the Angola area. Last year, the owner warned there was a potential buyer. This year, until June, he wasn’t sure he could farm there. The owner finally allowed him to plant when the sale fell through. 

 

“The ag industry is diverse, and although I have not been formally educated, most of what I have learned has been ‘hands on’ learning from my grandfather and father, from seminars, industry companies, and sharing information with other farmers.” 

 

Other than a four-year stint with the U.S. Navy and working as a salesman, Chris has always lived and farmed in Sussex County. To pay for farming expenses and to supplement his farming income, he works for approximately nine months of the year at a feed mill and delivers fertilizer to farmers, often 12 to 16 hours a day in the early spring, and hauling vegetables in the summer to lower Sussex County farm stands.

 

Throughout his lifetime, he saved and paid cash for a combine, two trucks, and other equipment. “When I qualified for a commercial loan, the interest rate was too high.” When applying for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency loan, he was questioned why he had no credit. He stated, “I never financed anything. I always paid cash.” Also, the FSA paperwork was extraordinary. “And I had to get a lawyer to do the title search, all expenses I couldn’t afford and still qualify. I never had a lender who required this.” 

 

Thompson is proud of himself. He owns five acres and a home that is paid for. His daughter completed a University of Delaware Masters’ degree.

 

Justice for Black Farmers Act

The Justice for Black Farmers Act, 2023, initially introduced by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), addresses the long history of USDA discrimination against Black farmers that has resulted in the decimation of the Black farmers’ population in America today. The Act will create an independent civil rights oversight board, investigate reports of discrimination within the USDA, and provide oversight of Farm Service Agency County Committees. During the pendency of civil rights complaints, a moratorium will be placed on foreclosures. 

 

One of the bill’s provisions is the Equitable Land Access Service, within USDA, to acquire farmland and provide up to 160-acre land grants to existing and aspiring Black farmers. Access to USDA operating loans and mortgages under favorable terms, successful planning, and legal assistance will be available to new Black farmers.

 

Delaware House Bill 297

Delaware House Bill 297, known as the Agricultural Opportunities Act, could be beneficial in addressing decades-long agricultural discrimination. The primary sponsors of HB 297, State Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker and State Senator Marie Pinkney, state the bill aims to include socially disadvantaged farmers, military veteran farmers, and beginning farmers in the agricultural decision-making process in Delaware and provide outreach to disadvantaged farmers to make them aware of programs to assist them.

 

The bill requires the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with Cooperative Extension programs at Delaware State University and the University of Delaware, to create an agricultural training program. It also establishes an agricultural land lease program. Land owned by the State that is suitable for agricultural use will be identified. Priority for leases will be given to socially disadvantaged farmers, military veteran farmers, and beginning farmers. Current and prospective farmers of color will learn new agricultural practices and have access to funding, land, and education necessary to be successful.

 

Delaware’s farm statistics mirror nationwide statistics: there is a continued decline in the total number of farms, but a rise in the number of new and young producers.

 

Black farmers are less than 8% of the nation’s farm population. “That’s because a long list of discriminatory behaviors continues to plague them,” states Bill Spiegel in Successful Farming. He cites comments from an Alabama farmer that injustices and prejudices they face as Black farmers are numerous, including spending months straightening out incorrect invoices from input providers and waiting more than a year to obtain a critical disaster payment from FHA. Other discriminatory behavior includes excessive charges for supplies and getting approval by local banks or USDA for crop loans too late for the growing season, if at all. 

 

Agriculture, the major industry in Delaware, is estimated to be worth $8 billion. Despite their unique situation that exposed them to political, economic, and social discrimination, Black farmers played, and continue to play, an important role in Delaware’s present-day development.

 

 

Jessica Clark is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Journalism. After a 30-year career as a Public Information Specialist and photojournalist for several federal agencies, she retired to Georgetown, Del. She restored former Governor John Collins’ 1790s home on Collins Pond and is a Sussex County Master Gardener. 

 

Common Sense for the Eastern Shore

Health of His Constituents is Apparently Not a Priority for Rep. Dr. Andy Harris

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:

Judge Denies Trump Administration’s Attempt to Stall Maryland Offshore Wind Case Amid Federal Shutdown

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
 Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.

Should We Pin Our Hopes on Mid-Cycle Redistricting in MD-01?

By Jan Plotczyk • October 8, 2025
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.

Megan Outten Kicks Off Wicomico County Council District 7 Campaign with Packed Crowd and Strong Early Momentum

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.

Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.

Momentum Builds to Save Connelly Mill Park: Community Leaders and State Officials Unite Around Vision for Wicomico’s “Central Park”

By CSES Staff • October 8, 2025
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
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