Congressman Bennie Thompson recently announced over half a billion dollars is going to Mississippi farmers and ranchers harmed by discrimination.
The completion of the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will result in $521,830,460 being distributed across 13,283 individuals, including 5,892 current producers and 7,391 planned producers.
The DFAP was created as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Congress allocated $2.2 billion for the program, instructing the USDA to provide financial support to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who faced discrimination in federal farm lending programs.
“This program is crucial for Black farmers in Mississippi and across the country, who have historically faced systemic discrimination,” Thompson, D-Miss., said. “As the only member of Congress from Mississippi to vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, I am proud to see the positive impact this legislation is having on our farmers and ranchers. These awards are a significant step in the right direction, but our work towards equity must continue.”
In total, over 43,000 individuals nationwide will receive aid through the program, including over 23,000 current or former farmers receiving up to $500,000 each and over 20,000 prospective farmers receiving up to $6,000 each. The average payout is $82,000, with Mississippi leading the nation with the highest number of recipients.
President Joe Biden, who championed and signed the Inflation Reduction Act, believes the payout is a necessary move after years of protests, lawsuits, and failed bills.
“Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our 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,” Biden said. “I promised to address the inequity when I became president. Today that promise has become a reality.”
Learn more about DFAP and view the full list of distributions here.
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