USDA Engagement Opportunity on Financial Assistance to Borrowers Who Faced Discrimination

Friday, March 17th, 2023

Earlier this month, USDA announced it would provide assistance to producers who have faced discrimination in its farm lending programs. Specifically, USDA intends to allocate $2.2 billion by the end of the year and will work with qualified 501(c)3 entities to help with this process.  Read the full USDA press release here.

While much information remains unknown,
this is a big opportunity for BIPOC farmers to access much-needed debt relief.

USDA is seeking to partner with community-based organizations in historically underserved communities that have relationships with underserved farmers and food producers to provide outreach to potential applicants. USDA is asking interested organizations to express interest in an email to AskUSDA@usda.gov by March 31.

For our part, Wallace Center submitted a request to USDA to be included in the process of distributing funds as equitably and efficiently as possible and advocate for these funds to go to BIPOC organizations and farmers. We'll share what we learn as more information becomes available.

If you're interested in learning more about partnering with USDA in these efforts, email AskUSDA@usda.gov by March 31 expressing your interest.

Sourced from The Wallace Center