MOLINE,
Ill., Nov. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 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. 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. By joining
forces with the Center for Heir's Property Preservation, the LEAP
Coalition expands its capacity to address heirs' property rights
and raise awareness about this critical issue.
"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 and Company. "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. 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."
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. The Center provides legal education and
direct legal services, helping families reach agreement or clear
title to family land and probate estates. Through its legal
counsel and educational resources, the Center unlocks opportunities
for sustainable land use, helping families to keep their land,
realize its economic value, and build generational wealth.
"For generations, heirs' property issues have been a pervasive
contributor to Black involuntary land loss, preventing families
from building generational wealth," said Dr. Jennie L. Stephens, Chief Executive Officer at
the Center for Heirs Property Preservation. "Our alliance with the
LEAP Coalition reinforces our resolve to spread awareness and help
our local communities protect and sustain their family
legacies."
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.
About the LEAP Coalition
Established in 2020, John Deere, the National Black Growers
Council (NBGC), and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
established the LEAP (Legislation, Education, Advocacy, and
Production Systems) Coalition to improve the livelihoods of Black
farmers with a particular emphasis on the preservation of heirs'
property in rural communities throughout the United States. The LEAP Coalition
collectively works to address priority legislation, expand
educational and advocacy opportunities, and ensure access to tools
and technology all farmers need to successfully navigate advanced
production systems.
About John Deere
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in
the delivery of agricultural, construction, and forestry equipment.
We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in
ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap
forward. Our technology-enabled products including John Deere
Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe are
just some of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for
food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also
provides financial services through John Deere Financial.
For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at
www.deere.com/en/news/.
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SOURCE Deere & Company