Across America, farmers are a constant reminder of what an unsung hero is. Their tireless work feeds communities, fuels local economies, and exemplifies what the American dream is. From planting crops under unpredictable weather to raising livestock through economic ups and downs, farmers embody resilience and grit.

Yet, their vital role often comes with immense challenges—fluctuating markets, rising costs, and now, a growing threat to their financial lifeline. But now new challenges have hit farmers, one that could determine whether they can access the loans they need without being judged by where they line up politically.

This struggle centers on a shadowy campaign by a left-wing group to block legislation designed to protect farmers from discriminatory lending practices. As The Daily Wire has revealed, this organization is part of a larger web of progressive activists, some with ties to foreign funding.

A Campaign Targeting Farmers’ Rights

Operating under the name Unlocking America’s Future, this group has launched a targeted effort in North Carolina, using Facebook ads to oppose a bill that would prevent banks from denying loans to farmers based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. These metrics, often tied to ideological agendas, could penalize farmers for not aligning with specific political priorities, even if their financial standing is solid. From early July to early August, the group spent nearly $30,000 on ads, focusing on Raleigh and other key areas.

The legislation, called the Farmers Protection Act, aims to keep lending decisions rooted in financial merit. Its Republican sponsors argue it would shield farmers from pressure to conform to political agendas, ensuring loans are “based upon whether they have good credit or not but not based upon their ESG score.” This bill seeks to maintain fairness, allowing farmers to focus on their crops and livestock without navigating ideological minefields.

The Group Behind the Campaign

Unlocking America’s Future is not an independent entity but a trade name for Climate Power, a left-wing organization formed to bolster Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. Created as a joint effort by the Sierra Club, the American Progress Action Fund, and the League of Conservation Voters, Climate Power entered the scene with $80 million to promote Biden’s platform. Now, it’s turned its resources toward opposing the Farmers Protection Act, targeting North Carolina lawmakers, including Governor Josh Stein, with ads running from late May through August.

These ads claim that “Billionaires want to force banks to ignore financial risks, putting North Carolina’s economic future at risk,” while calling for “responsible investing, lowering costs, and creating jobs.” The messaging paints the legislation as a threat to economic stability, despite its goal of protecting farmers from unfair lending practices.

Ties to Foreign Influence and Activism

Ironically, while the ads rail against “billionaires” meddling in North Carolina’s politics, Climate Power is linked to a network of progressive groups backed by significant foreign wealth. The organization operates under the Fund for a Better Future, which has been examined for channeling foreign money into American political advocacy.

Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, a major donor to the Fund, has supported efforts to advance Democratic causes, according to the Associated Press. This funding structure raises concerns about external influence on U.S. policy, as foreign donors are barred from directly funding candidates but can funnel resources through advocacy groups.

Climate Power’s activism also extends to its internal practices. Its 2023 registration documents reveal a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including racially discriminatory board selection policies. The documents state, “The makeup of the board shall be reflective of the diversity of the progress movement and the corporation staff,” specifying that “The board should not be less than approximately 40% Board members who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color and 51% of Board members who identify as women,” and that “The corporation shall use best efforts to ensure that the diversity of the Board is no lesser than the diversity of staff.”

The fight over the Farmers Protection Act points to a critical tension between financial fairness and ideological agendas. For farmers, loans are a lifeline—funding everything from seeds to equipment. Denying credit based on ESG scores or other non-financial criteria could cripple their ability to operate in an already demanding industry. As farmers face mounting pressures from weather, costs, and global competition, policies that ensure equitable access to capital are essential to keeping America’s food supply strong.

Are you concerned about this campaign to basically harm American farmers? Let us know your thoughts by posting in the comments section!