The US Government has set aside $2.2 billion for eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021
December 20, 2023—Washington, D.C.—The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) urges all of America’s eligible Black farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021, to apply to the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program for their share of financial assistance by the Saturday, January 13, 2024, deadline. NBCSL also encourages descendants of those farmers with inherited debt to apply. The prior discrimination consisted of being denied government loans, emergency or disaster assistance, and other aid, which caused many Black farmers to lose their farms and their homes. All applicants must be prepared to provide support for the consequences of the discrimination.
“Land ownership has always been a pathway to achieve generational wealth in America, but for more than a century, the number of Black farmers in the U.S. has significantly declined in part because of the discrimination by the USDA,” said State Representative Laura Hall (AL), President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. “Now, thanks to the Biden administration and the Inflation Reduction Act, eligible Black farmers or their descendants can apply for their share of the $2.2 billion financial assistance to recoup money owed to them. This is an important step forward to address the historical racism and egregious underfunding targeting Black landowners who were trying to build a successful future for themselves and their families.”
Applications for this program are free, and do not require a lawyer. The USDA has identified three vendors to serve the entire country to assist Black farmers through the application process, including Midtown Group, serving as the national administrator; Windsor Group, serving producers in the eastern regions of the U.S.; and Analytic Acquisitions, serving the western regions. According to the USDA, these vendors have opened regional locations and have also partnered with community-based organizations trusted by producer communities.
“Though the amount of money awarded through this program will depend on the number of applications and the consequences of discrimination, I continue to encourage all Black farmers in Illinois and across the country to apply and take advantage of the help from vendors and community-based organizations. They can ensure that the application is complete and submitted on time,” said State Representative Sonya Harper (IL), Chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ Agriculture and Conservation Policy Committee. “There is no time to waste; the January 13 deadline is right around the corner.”
The NBCSL recommends Black farmers, ranchers and forest landowners reach out to their state legislators for assistance in connecting with a USDA-approved vendor or a trusted organization to assist with their application. A complete list of black state legislators can be found at
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NBCSL is the nation’s premier organization exclusively serving the interests of African American state legislators. With more than 700 members collectively representing over 60 million Americans, NBCSL serves as a national network, advocate and catalyst for public policy innovation, information exchange, and joint action on critical issues. Visit nbcsl.org to learn more.