Nearly $700,000 in USDA assistance provided to Delaware farmers

Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, alongside Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, recently announced $693,560 in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to 15 Delaware farmers – six of whom are current producers and nine who are planning to start farms. The program aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in obtaining USDA loans prior to January 2021. It represents the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to making USDA programs more accessible, equitable and inclusive for all who want to participate in agriculture, especially for those who have historically faced discriminatory barriers. The program was established through the Inflation Reduction Act.

“Having been the first Delawarean to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in over 120 years, I know how important it is for us to do all we can to support the growth of Delaware’s agriculture. Today’s announcement will help us do just that while empowering our farmers,” said Blunt Rochester. “These investments – made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act that I championed – will help farmers who have historically faced discrimination in farm loan programs grow their businesses, produce healthy food and contribute to our economy. I commend President Biden and Vice President Harris for taking action to ensure equity, accessibility and inclusivity for farmers in Delaware and across the country.”

Carper said the program is working to right wrongs to uplift farmers and in Delaware and across the country.

Coon said no farmer should face discrimination in obtaining loans from the Department of Agriculture. 

“I’m proud that under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ leadership, USDA programs will better reflect the inclusivity and accessibility that make our country strong,” he said.

President Joe Biden said farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on the nation’s tables and steward the 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,” he said. “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 Discrimination Financial Assistance Program was established by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act. Through the legislation, Congress allocated $2.2 billion for the program and directed USDA to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Upon signing of the law by Biden, USDA implemented a comprehensive application process that opened in July 2023. One year later, more than 43,000 people, including individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa, will receive financial assistance through the program. The assistance will help many of them continue farming or enhance their operations, will allow some to begin farming or in other cases will help to ease lost income.

More information about the awards, including geographic distribution, can be found at 22007apply.gov.