By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially ended the use of the “socially disadvantaged” designation in its federal farm aid programs. This means race and gender will no longer be deciding factors for receiving support from USDA agencies.
This change impacts programs run by agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Rural Business-Cooperative Service. For years, these programs used the socially disadvantaged status to help minority farmers and women access federal resources and assistance.
The USDA stated this move comes from President Donald Trump’s executive order, aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within federal government agencies. USDA officials said they no longer see a need to focus on correcting past discrimination, claiming enough progress has been made.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that future decisions will be based solely on program rules, with no influence from race or gender considerations. The department promises to maintain fairness and equal access to support for all farmers.
However, the decision has sparked debate. Representative Shontel Brown of Ohio, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, stressed that the socially disadvantaged designation has played a critical role in helping minority farmers secure land and loans. She warned that removing it could limit future opportunities for these groups.
Since the early 1900s, the designation was seen as a step toward fairness in federal farming programs. Now, many worry that this change may reduce the chances for minority and women farmers to succeed.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National