Article Courtesy USDA
Are you a farmer, rancher, or forest landowner who experienced discrimination in USDA farm loans before January 2021? You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
What is The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP)?
$2.2 billion in financial assistance: Thanks to Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA is allocating $2.2 billion in financial 2.2 billion in financial assistance to farmers, eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm loan programs.
Eligibility requirements: Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination before January 1, 2021, by the USDA in its farm lending programs, which are currently administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Or are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm lending debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination before January 1, 2021.
How Does it Work?
Producers can apply via the e-filing portal at 22007apply.gov or submit paper-based forms via mail or in-person delivery to the program’s local offices. English- and Spanish-language applications are available.
Technical assistance is available for potential applicants through four regional hubs working closely with community-based organizations to conduct extensive outreach using digital and grassroots strategies. This ensures potential applicants are informed about the program and understand how to complete the application. Additionally, local events and brick-and-mortar offices are part of a comprehensive outreach process designed to provide farmers and ranchers with multiple options for assistance at no cost.
Important deadline: The deadline for eligible farmers, ranchers, or forest landowners who qualify for financial assistance through the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFA)to complete their application is January 13, 2024.
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For More Information
For more information about DFAP, please visit the official website at 22007apply.gov. Additionally, the website provides comprehensive information on obtaining in-person or virtual technical assistance, supplementary program resources, and detailed program guidelines. The program also offers a call center, 1-800-721-0970, open from 8 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. PT, seven days a week, except for Federal holidays. The call center has English and Spanish-speaking agents.