On Wednesday, July 31, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the issuance of payments to eligible applicants under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). This move was widely praised by leaders across the country as a significant step in advancing President Biden’s Executive Order on promoting equity in federal government programs.
Senator Cory Booker (NJ) commented, “In order to address the well-documented history of discrimination over the past century by the USDA against Black farmers, I fought to include $2.2 billion in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide financial assistance to farmers who had suffered because of it. I am pleased that today the USDA announced that this financial assistance has been disbursed to Black farmers and other farmers who were victims of USDA discrimination. This money will be a lifeline to farmers and ranchers across the country who in the past have been unfairly denied access to USDA lending and safety net programs.”
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA) remarked, “While long overdue, today’s announcement is good news. These payments, which I was proud to secure, will go a long way towards helping Georgia farmers stay on their farms and get out of the red. We cannot forget that farmers waited over two years for these payments following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and many more have waited decades after the botched Pigford settlements. These payments are a meaningful step forward in USDA’s long journey towards rebuilding trust with farmers who’ve previously faced discrimination.”
Representative David Scott (GA-13), Ranking Member of House Agriculture Committee, stated: “For American agriculture to succeed, we need to ensure our farmers and producers have access to land and capital. We need to show that working in agriculture is a viable career and that there is a level-playing field. [...] Today’s announcement delivers on our commitment to invest in equity, fight for fairness, and uplift our farmers, ranchers, and producers who have faced discrimination.”
Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), Chairwoman of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry noted: “Today was a historic and welcome step forward to address longstanding and widespread discrimination at the United States Department of Agriculture. I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure these resources but there is more to do. I will continue working with the Administration on long-term solutions to address systemic discrimination within federal farm programs.”
Representative Bennie Thompson (MS-02) emphasized: “This program is crucial for Black farmers in Mississippi and across the country who have historically faced systemic discrimination. As the only member of Congress from Mississippi to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, I am proud to see the positive impact this legislation is having on our farmers and ranchers. These awards are a significant step in the right direction but our work towards equity must continue.”
Representative Terri Sewell (AL-07) expressed her satisfaction: “As the only member of Alabama Delegation voting for Inflation Reduction Act; thrilled over $383 million funding addressing historic injustice Alabama's rural communities! Thanks President Biden & Vice President Harris unwavering support! Congressional Black Caucus ensured historic funding included! Generations experienced farm loan program discriminations; daughter Black Belt knew family members denied loans skin color; historic moment Biden-Harris meaningful action addressing injustice!”
Representative Shontel Brown (OH-11) applauded: “I applaud USDA & Biden-Harris Admin providing financial assistance impacted by past discrimination; important moment agriculture history America! Centuries endured including USDA itself; small loan denial lifetime lost earnings/property loss; thanks Inflation Reduction Act White House racial justice commitment step right direction! House Committee Agriculture member fighting black farmer endeavors thriving backgrounds!”
Representative Alma Adams (NC-12): "Thrilled finally addressing generations consequences discriminatory practices against North Carolina 1300+ recipients receiving $136 million funds supported Discrimination Financial Assistance Program part 2022 IRA!"
Representative Troy A Carter Sr., LA02: "Financial assistance opportunity creating overdue equity farming left behind decades discriminatory practices historically withheld marginalized groups ensuring livelihoods contributing economy pursuing new agricultural opportunities."
John Boyd National Black Farmers Association President commented: "No matter how sliced $2.2 billion payouts historic victory NBFA all black families endured struggled ends meet."
Janai Nelson Legal Defense Fund LDF President Director-Counsel added initiatives like DFAP uplifting supporting marginalized groups vital economic survival rural communities color aid significant addressing decades commend administration continued correcting wrongs acknowledging critical role recompense information emerges distribution impact ensuring agency upholds commitment remedying effects especially serving needs."
John Zippert Rural Coalition Board Chair thanked President Joe Biden Secretary Vilsack completing evaluation 58k applications earlier expected schedule originally announced grateful US Congress passing IRA making awards possible pleased over 43k individuals receiving award acknowledgment."
DeShawn Blanding Union Concerned Scientists Senior Washington Representative heartening seeing reckoning longstanding history taking meaningful steps creation monumental unprecedented equity racial justice commend priority addressing injustices barriers hoping expeditiously implementing recommendations Equity Commission advancing within department.
