US agriculture agency to end consideration of race, sex in many farm programs
Source: Reuters
July 10, 2025 6:10 AM EDT Updated 4 hours ago
WASHINGTON, July 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Thursday it would no longer consider a farmer's race or sex in many of its farm loan, commodity and conservation programs, ending a longstanding effort by the agency to address its history of discrimination.
The move was made to align with the Trump administration's directives to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the federal government and because the USDA has adequately addressed past bias, the agency said in a final rule.
"Moving forward, USDA will no longer apply race- or sex-based criteria in its decision-making processes, ensuring that its programs are administered in a manner that upholds the principles of meritocracy, fairness, and equal opportunity for all participants," said the rule, signed by acting General Counsel Ralph Linden. The USDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Black farmers and other under-represented groups in agriculture have long alleged discrimination in the agency's lending and farm programs. As recently as 2024, the USDA made payments to tens of thousands of farmers who experienced past bias.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-agriculture-agency-end-consideration-race-sex-many-farm-programs-2025-07-10/
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