USDA Alerts Producers of Approaching Bias Aid Program Deadline

On Jan 8, 2024

TL/DR –

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners that the deadline to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) is January 13, 2024. This program is designed to assist those who experienced discrimination by the USDA in its farm loan programs prior to 2021, and applications can be submitted online, in person at a local DFAP office, or by mail. Once the deadline has passed, no further applications will be accepted, but the program’s call center will remain open until after program payments are made, offering support in both English and Spanish.

National Call Center and other resources remain available through the Jan. 13 deadline for USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notifies farm and forest landowners about the Jan. 13, 2024, deadline to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). This program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act’s $2.2 billion, is for those who suffered discrimination by USDA farm loan programs or currently carry USDA farm loan debt subjected to discrimination prior to Jan. 1, 2021.

Applications can be submitted online at 22007apply.gov, in person at a DFAP local office, or by mail. Find operating hours and office locations at 22007apply.gov/local-assistance.html. Program application has no cost and features free technical assistance, accessible even after office hours through the call center at 1-800-721-0970.

Following feedback, the USDA moved the deadline from Oct. 31, 2023, to Jan. 13, 2024. Applications submitted after these deadlines will not be considered:

Mail applications must be postmarked by Jan. 13, 2024.
In-person applications must be received by 8 p.m. local time on Jan. 13, 2024.
Online applications must be submitted (not merely started) by 11:59 p.m. PST on Jan. 13, 2024. Email submissions will not be considered.

Local offices will accept supporting documents for applications until Jan. 17, 2024, but won’t accept applications after Jan. 13, 2024. All customer offices will close on Jan. 18, 2024.

The call center will operate from 8 a.m. EST to 8 p.m. PST daily (except Federal holidays) until program payments are made, and weekdays after Feb. 18, 2024. Agents are available in English and Spanish.

Stakeholders and non-governmental program administrators have aided in the DFAP design since the Inflation Reduction Act. Outreach is available at local, state, and national levels and includes application support from trusted community partners.

Claims of discrimination may be based on race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, marital status, disability, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. The form is the only requirement for the program. Incomplete applications will be evaluated by the information provided. There won’t be hearings, appeals, or further processes. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.

For more on USDA’s commitment to equity and its resources, visit www.usda.gov/equity. USDA’s initiatives include a focus on local and regional food production, fair markets, community access to safe and nutritious food, climate-smart practices and more. Learn more at www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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