The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced funding of up to $550 million for initiatives that help underprivileged farmers gain access to land, money and markets as well as programs that educate the upcoming, diverse generation of agricultural professionals.

According to an Aug. 23 news release by the USDA, the money for these investments is supplied under Section 1006 of the American Rescue Plan Act, as revised by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act.

“These funding opportunities are historic and part of USDA’s unwavering commitment to advancing equity for all, including people who have been underserved, marginalized and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release. "When we address longstanding inequities, our entire country benefits. 

"Land access, heirs’ property, affordable credit and access to reliable markets — along with consistent access to help from well-trained experts — are essential to strengthening our communities," Vilsack added, according to the release. "USDA is equally committed to partnering with minority-serving institutions to establish exciting and fulfilling pathways for Next Generation leaders to have careers in agriculture, nutrition, food, development and in the federal government.”

According to the release, the USDA is taking various steps to carry out Section 1006 of the ARPA, as amended by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act. The USDA has allocated $75 million for cooperation agreements with 20 groups that will give technical support and assistance to underrepresented producers, such as veterans, producers with limited resources, beginning farmers and ranchers, and/or producers in high poverty areas.

According to the release, creating an independent Equity Commission is one piece of Section 1006 of the American Rescue Plan Act puzzle that the USDA has executed.