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Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023
12/12/2023, 8:15 AM
Summary of Bill HR 1167
The key provisions of the Justice for Black Farmers Act include the establishment of a new equity commission to investigate and address discrimination within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill also aims to provide financial assistance to Black farmers who have been unfairly denied access to USDA programs and resources.
Additionally, the legislation includes measures to increase land access and ownership for Black farmers, as well as support for training and technical assistance programs to help Black farmers succeed in the industry. The bill also seeks to address issues related to credit access and debt relief for Black farmers who have been disproportionately affected by discriminatory lending practices. Overall, the Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to address the long-standing disparities faced by Black farmers in the United States. By providing support, resources, and opportunities for Black farmers, the bill seeks to promote equity and justice within the agricultural sector.
Congressional Summary of HR 1167
Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a variety of assistance to address historical discrimination and disparities in the agricultural sector.
For example, the bill establishes an equity commission in USDA to examine discrimination by the agency against Black farmers and ranchers and recommend actions to end the systematic disparities in the treatment of Black farmers and ranchers.
USDA must also establish a Farm Conservation Corps to provide young adults who are from socially disadvantaged groups with the skills necessary to pursue careers in farming and ranching.
The bill provides funding for historically Black colleges and universities to commence and expand courses of study that are focused on careers in agriculture or related disciplines. The bill also increases the authorization of appropriations for a program to resolve issues relating to ownership and succession on farmland. Additionally, it expands credit assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
Further, the bill (1) establishes that a minimum of 50% of a covered packer's (not including a packer that owns only one livestock processing plant) daily volume of livestock slaughter must be purchased through spot market sales from nonaffiliated producers; (2) increases funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program; and (3) gives priority to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers for conservation technical assistance, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Rural Energy for America Program.
