12th District GOP Rejects Rep. Adams’ False Accusations on USDA
The Republican Party of North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District firmly opposes Rep. Alma Adams’ mischaracterization of the USDA’s rule ending race and sex-based classifications in farm programs. Her claims of "racism" and "sexism" are divisive and ignore the rule’s core purpose: equal treatment under the law.
"Rep. Adams advocates for discrimination disguised as remedy," stated Addul Ali, 12th District GOP Chair. "The USDA’s rule ensures no farmer is excluded from programs—or granted special status—based on race or gender. True equality, the foundation of the Civil Rights Act, means judging farmers by their need and merit, not their skin color or sex. This rule corrects a system that itself discriminated against Americans not in government-preferred categories."
Facts vs. Rhetoric:
Equal Access, Not Exclusion: The rule does not ban women or minority farmers from USDA programs. It ensures all farmers compete for assistance based on identical economic and operational criteria. Rep. Adams seeks preferential treatment, not equal opportunity.
Addressing Disparities: Economic challenges facing small farmers (regardless of race) stem from complex market forces, farm size, and location—not evidence of current, systemic USDA discrimination. Solutions must be need-based, assisting every struggling farmer fairly.
Upholding Civil Rights: The 1964 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race or sex. The USDA rule aligns with this principle by removing those factors from benefit eligibility. Rep. Adams’ demand for race-based preferences contradicts the Act’s core purpose.
"The USDA rule advances justice by treating every farmer equally," continued Ali. "North Carolina farmers face real challenges: rising costs, volatile markets, and bureaucratic hurdles. We need unified, economically sound solutions—not divisive identity politics that pit Americans against each other. We urge Rep. Adams to abandon false accusations and join efforts supporting all farmers based on need, not race or gender."
