The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant policy shift, discontinuing the use of the term "socially disadvantaged" for farmers and ending key support programs previously tied to this designation. This move, which impacts approximately 20% of the USDA's farm loan volume, comes with the agency's assertion that it has sufficiently addressed historic discrimination against minority farmers. The change was confirmed by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aligning with broader directives to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across the federal government.
The "socially disadvantaged" designation was established in the 1990 Farm Bill to identify and provide resources to farmers and ranchers who had faced racial or ethnic discrimination. This category included Black, American Indian/Native Alaskan, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander individuals. Programs like the 2501 Program were designed to offer outreach and technical assistance, aiming to ensure equitable access to grants and other resources for these historically underserved groups.
Critics argue that this policy reversal ignores the USDA's long history of discrimination against Black farmers, who once comprised 14% of all U.S. farmers but now account for less than 1%. "It’s no secret that Black farmers were economically disadvantaged by the past intentional discrimination by USDA," stated U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL), a member of the House Agriculture Committee. The change effectively guts race-conscious outreach and technical assistance, raising concerns about future access to critical support.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and advocates. "Trump's resegregation agenda has arrived at USDA," said Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH), vice-ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, in a news release. Meanwhile, the USDA maintains that the shift ensures programs "uphold the principles of meritocracy, fairness, and equal opportunity for all participants," citing past litigation and settlements as evidence of having addressed historical biases.
This policy change is largely a response to executive orders issued by President Donald Trump targeting DEI initiatives. It also follows legal challenges, such as Strickland v. USDA, where white farmers contested pandemic relief programs that supported socially disadvantaged farmers. Retired USDA official Lloyd Wright, an 84-year-old Black farmer, expressed little surprise but acknowledged that his fellow Black farmers would feel "the damage" of this policy.