Deere, LEAP coalition help black farmers

John Deere and the LEAP Coalition announced a new partnership with the Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation (CHPP), further strengthening its commitment to eliminate heirs’ property barriers and advance the lives and livelihoods of black farmers.

“Heirs’ property remains a major hurdle, precluding access to vital resources needed by our country’s black farmers and landowners. The unique legal and financial pathway to clear title is often overwhelmingly difficult to navigate alone,” said Marc Howze, senior advisor, office of the chairman, Deere & Company.

The LEAP Coalition – established in part by John Deere, the National Black Growers Council (NBGC), and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) – advocates for the preservation of heirs’ property in rural communities.

“The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation has been instrumental in clearing ownership titles for many South Carolina families, and we welcome the Center as a LEAP partner,” said Howze.

The Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that works with underserved families in South Carolina to protect heirs’ property and to promote the sustainable use of land providing increased economic benefit to historically underserved landowners, said the firm.

“Our alliance with the LEAP Coalition reinforces our resolve to spread awareness and help our local communities protect and sustain their family legacies,” said Dr. Jennie L. Stephens, CEO at the Center for Heirs Property Preservation.

As part of this partnership, John Deere has made a further investment to expand the Center’s resources and broaden its reach to help families and landowners gain clear title to their land.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to ensuring Black farmers and underserved landowners have access to the vital resources they need to protect and preserve their property for future generations. We look forward to reaching more communities across the nation,” said Howze.