Farmers Express Concern Over Cuts to crucial Support Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has removed race and gender considerations from its loan and benefit programs, ending decades of diversity-focused initiatives.
Announced by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, this decision aligns with President Trump’s policy to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies.
For years, USDA supported minority farmers, women, and veterans through programs aimed at addressing historical discrimination. However, the USDA recently declared it has “sufficiently addressed” past issues, making such remedies “no longer necessary or legal.”
“We are taking this aggressive, unprecedented action to eliminate discrimination in any form at USDA,” Rollins stated. “It is simply wrong and contrary to the fundamental principle that all persons should be treated equally.”
Despite continuing support for veterans and beginning farmers, this move has paused or ended grants worth millions. In mid-June alone, over $148 million in awards were cut, leaving organizations and farmers uncertain about future funding.
Mike Lavender of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition said, “Unfortunately, what we've seen… is the injection, consistently, of uncertainty for farmers by freezing contracts… by terminating projects unexpectedly.”
Programs supporting small farms, urban gardens, and community markets are now at risk. For example, Kansas City's Ivanhoe Neighborhood Farmers Market lost a USDA grant of $165,000, affecting their ability to serve local communities.
Alana Henry, the market’s executive director, remarked, “What that means… is less food for the community. And it means less resources for the people who are in need.”
Organizations like the Kansas Black Farmers Association also fear losing critical support. JohnElla Holmes, their president, expressed her concerns, saying she won’t alter the group’s mission to appear neutral, hoping USDA recognizes all farmers equally.
With Congress holding final authority over USDA spending, advocates are calling for oversight and restoration of programs that support a diverse agricultural community.