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Scott Bill Targets USDA Discrimination as Trump Ends DEI Protections

July 28, 2025

Congressman David Scott of Georgia has introduced the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025 to protect Black farmers amid the Trump administration's elimination of DEI protections at the USDA. The legislation, co-sponsored by Congressman Jonathan Jackson, aims to expand market access and enforce civil rights protections for historically marginalized farmers whose numbers have declined from 14% to less than 2% of all U.S. farmers in less than a century. The bill establishes grant programs, tax credits, procurement priorities, and a Civil Rights Ombudsperson while the USDA simultaneously announced it will no longer use the term "socially disadvantaged" in response to Trump's executive orders eliminating DEI programs.

Who is affected

  • Black farmers and other socially disadvantaged farmers
  • Current and future minority agricultural producers
  • The fewer than 50,000 remaining Black farmers (down from nearly one million in 1920)
  • Members of the Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association
  • Farmers who have experienced racial, ethnic, or gender-based discrimination
  • Hispanic, Native American, and Asian producers previously designated as "socially disadvantaged"

What action is being taken

  • Congressman David Scott is introducing the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025
  • The Trump administration is eliminating key DEI protections at the USDA
  • The USDA is reversing policies by no longer using the term "socially disadvantaged" for farmers affected by discrimination
  • The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association is suing the USDA over alleged exclusion from the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
  • Farm Bill reauthorization talks are continuing in Congress

Why it matters

  • Black farmers have declined from representing over 14% of all U.S. farmers to less than 2% due to systemic discrimination
  • There has been a 95% decline in Black farmers (from nearly one million to fewer than 50,000) resulting from discriminatory practices
  • The USDA's policy change could disproportionately affect Black farmers by removing targeted support
  • The elimination of the "socially disadvantaged" designation impacts programs that served farmers facing historical discrimination
  • Only 0.1% of a $26 billion USDA pandemic relief package went to Black farmers, highlighting ongoing inequities
  • The proposed legislation aims to restore trust and create new market opportunities for marginalized farmers

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint