USDA Opens Financial Relief Application for Discriminated Farmers

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Farmer John Boyd Jr., poses for a portrait during a break from bailing hay at his farm in Boydton, Va., Thursday, May 27, 2021. Documents from a USDA internal review that Boyd provided to The Associated Press show investigators found his operating loan requests were not processed for years, despite explicit instructions from the agency’s state director. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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After nearly a year of fighting for justice, minority farmers who were denied promised debt have a glimmer of hope. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the launch of the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, opening the application process for eligible farmers who faced discrimination in USDA farm loan programs.

Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination before January 1, 2021, or who currently have USDA farm loan debt affected by pre-2021 discrimination are eligible. The program offers financial relief of up to $500,000.

The development marks a pivotal step towards remedying decades of discrimination faced by farmers of color. Although previous legal challenges hindered relief efforts, the Biden administration’s determination led to this opportunity.

The USDA is accepting applications until October 31, with reviews and payment disbursements scheduled for November and December.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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AURN NEWS WITH EBONY MCMORRIS