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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — The Biden administration has sent out more than $2 billion in direct payments for Black and other minority farmers discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

USDA says it wants to make things right with disadvantaged farmers.

“The same government that’s supposed to lend a hand up for Black farmers was the same government that was taking our farms, through illegal proceedings,” President of the National Black Farmers Association John Boyd said. 

More than 23,000 farmers were approved for payments ranging from $10,000 to $500,000. 

“Some of these farmers are facing foreclosure,” Boyd said. 

Boyd calls it long overdue. 

“It’s just a huge, huge victory for the National Black Farmers Association and in this case, our Black Americans,” Boyd said. 

The White House hopes the payments will lead to generational wealth for Black farmers.

“The culmination of this program is an important marker in our effort to rebuild trust and to make USDA an equitable and accessible department,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said.

Vilsack said the aid is not compensation for anyone’s loss or the pain endured, but it is an acknowledgment by the department.

“The president’s hope is that this financial assistance will help many farmers stay on the farm, contribute to our nation’s food supply and continue to do what they love,” Vilsack said. 

A majority of the payments will go to farmers in Mississippi and Alabama.