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Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act
12/31/2022, 4:58 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4169
Specifically, the bill includes provisions to improve access to credit and capital for Black and socially disadvantaged farmers, as well as funding for outreach and technical assistance programs to help these farmers navigate the agricultural industry. Additionally, the bill aims to increase the participation of Black and socially disadvantaged farmers in federal agricultural programs and initiatives.
Overall, the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act is designed to address the systemic barriers that have prevented Black and socially disadvantaged farmers from fully participating in the agricultural sector. By providing these farmers with the support and resources they need to succeed, the bill aims to increase their market share and promote greater equity in the agricultural industry.
Congressional Summary of HR 4169
Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act
This bill addresses ways to increase market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and to ensure civil rights accountability for Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees. (Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are those who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to individual qualities.)
Specifically, USDA must establish a program to make grants to support new or expanding food hubs designed to increase market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
USDA shall establish a process to prioritize the purchase of agricultural food products from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. That process must account for barriers to market entry faced by socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers while maintaining the integrity of the purchasing process.
The bill also establishes an agriculture hub income tax credit, which shall be an amount equal to 25% of the qualified food hub expenses for the taxable year.
USDA must (1) ensure that its officials and employees are held accountable for engaging in discriminatory or retaliatory actions, harassment, civil rights violations, or related misconduct; and (2) bear the burden of proving by substantial evidence that an adverse decision was valid.
