The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the issuance of payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). The program aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination before January 2021.
“Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land. But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support,” said President Joe Biden. “I promised to address this inequity when I became President. Today that promise has become a reality. My Inflation Reduction Act took a bold step to address the effects of discrimination in farming and ranching, and today’s action will enable more farmers and ranchers to support themselves and their families, help grow the economy, and pursue their dreams.”
“The completion of the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is an important moment in USDA’s history, and in our journey to becoming a department that truly serves everyone who wants to participate in agriculture. While this financial assistance is not compensation for anyone’s losses or pain endured, it is an acknowledgment. My hope is that this will ensure that many farmers can stay on their farms, contribute to our nation’s food supply, and continue doing what they love,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The DFAP was established by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act with Congress allocating $2.2 billion for the program. The USDA worked immediately after President Biden signed the law to design the program according to statutory requirements, incorporating significant stakeholder input before opening applications in July 2023.
Over 43,000 individuals across all 50 states, as well as territories including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, will receive financial assistance through DFAP. The aid will support ongoing farming operations or help new ventures begin.
Recipients include over 23,000 individuals currently or previously involved in farming or ranching operations who are receiving between $10,000 and $500,000 each. Additionally, over 20,000 individuals who planned but were unable to start farming due to lack of USDA loans are receiving between $3,500 and $6,000 each.
Detailed information about these awards can be found on the program website at 22007apply.gov.
Throughout the application process, USDA conducted extensive outreach efforts ensuring eligible participants were informed about DFAP and provided free technical assistance. Each application underwent review by two independent teams working for the program administrator under USDA guidelines.
DFAP operates as an application-based financial assistance program built around congressional funding provisions rather than as a compensation initiative. All eligibility decisions were made in a single round without provisions for appeals.
USDA plans continuous review of DFAP application data for future equity efforts at various administrative levels while promoting accessibility reforms within its Farm Service Agency among other initiatives aimed at making agricultural participation more inclusive.
For more information about USDA's equity work visit www.usda.gov/equity.
USDA remains committed under the Biden-Harris Administration towards transforming America’s food system with emphasis on resilient local production systems; equitable market access; nutritious food availability; climate-smart practices; infrastructure investments; clean energy capabilities; systemic barrier removal; and workforce diversity representative of America.
