Nearly a year after minority farmers filed a class action suit against the U.S. government after being denied promised debt, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers who faced discrimination.
Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by USDA in its farm loan programs prior to January 1, 2021, or who are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred before January 1, 2021, are eligible for this program named the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.
Back in March, the USDA released an announcement publishing its first steps. Funds will distribute through the Inflation Reduction Act, as specified in Section 22007.
“The opening of the application process is an important step in delivering on our commitment of providing financial assistance to those who faced discrimination in USDA farm lending as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA will continue to work with our national vendor partners and community-based organizations to make sure eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners have clear information about what is available to them, how to apply, and where to obtain assistance with their questions at each step of the way.”
The program website, 22007apply.gov, is now open. The website includes an English- and Spanish-language application that applicants can download or submit via an e-filing portal, information on obtaining technical assistance in-person or virtually, and additional resources and details about the program.
To apply, borrowers can apply via the e-filing portal or submit paper-based forms via mail or in-person delivery to the program’s local offices. The application process will be open until Oct. 31, 2023.
Under the planned timeline, applications will be reviewed in November and December, with payments reaching recipients soon thereafter. Applicants should know that the application process is not on a first-come, first-served basis. All applications received or postmarked before the October 31 deadline will be considered.
Farmer Veteran Coalition assists veteran farmers
Farmer Veteran Coalition is working alongside other organizations to provide outreach and support for individuals eligible for this program.
The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program resources can be found on the Farmer Veteran Coalition website. The webpage will include resources such as a link to apply via the program website and contact information for technical assistance.
“The Farmer Veteran Coalition’s longstanding relationship with USDA has served many of our members well, but not all members have been served fairly. Opportunities for FSA loans may not have been made available to all farmers that are protected against discrimination. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act directs USDA to provide financial assistance to producers who have experienced discrimination,” said Jeanette Lombardo, Executive Director of Farmer Veteran Coalition. “Understanding veterans are often underserved; this program allows FVC to continue to support the work our veteran farmers do for our country.”
Minority farmers sued when the Inflation Reduction Act was repealed
After debt relief was promised as part of a COVID-19 relief bill passed in 2021, Boyd v. USA was filed with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.
Virginia farmers argued in the suit that the repealed funding amounts to a breach of contract and that farmers, in anticipation of the promised funds, had made large purchases based on the pending relief.
To address equity issues, the USDA created a position for a qualified candidate named the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. L’Tonya Davis was hired as the officer and slated to advocate for the Equity Commission’s goals in preparing and supporting the diversity of American agriculture.
»Related: Black farmers still fighting courageously for justice and equity in USDA loans
