News in brief: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening an application portal for farmers who faced discrimination in borrowing from past programmes up to 2021. It says that this move is part of its commitment to transform the country’s food systems by promoting equity.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified farmers and forest landowners about opening of its financial application process to those who have experienced discrimination in its past programmes before January 2021. Debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt in same category are also eligible.
The USDA Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that the department is guiding the process as swiftly and efficiently as possible, in his statement.
He assured that the organisation is working with national vendor partners and community-based organisations to ensure eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners have clear information about what is available to them. Adding that support is available on how to apply, and assistance with questions at âeach step of the wayâ.
Today, @USDA is opening the financial assistance application process for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in farm lending programs prior to January 2021. https://t.co/jFOp1Oxtcq
— Secretary Tom Vilsack (@SecVilsack) July 7, 2023
Meanwhile, the USDA refuted reports of special fees, as the application filing is totally free. Prospective applicants are advised to be wary of possible scams, as financial assistance is not increased for claimants who are represented by an attorney. All information can be verified on their official website.
The application process starts from July 7 to October 31, 2023 and the body will officially review applications in November and December. Recipients will receive their payments soon after the review process.
USDA says it has entered into agreements with vendors and cooperators, that have experience in professional services, supporting government contracts, and complex programme operations, since May 2023.
These partners help it support eligible individuals as they have extensive experience conducting outreach to farm organisations. They include groups include AgrAbility, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farmersâ Legal Action Group, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Land Loss Prevention Project, National Young Farmers Coalition, and Rural Coalition.
The ministry is targeting a total transformation of Americaâs food system. It is doing this by focusing on more resilient local and regional food production. Also, as this initiative shows, it is committed to removing systemic barriers by promoting equity, competition and fairer markets for all producers.
