On Wednesday, July 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the transmittal of over $2 billion in funds to over 43,000 agriculture producers and forest land owners who had experienced discrimination by USDA prior to 2021. The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), authorized by the Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress in 2021, paved the way for this important program to emerge.
Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), and Janie Simms Hipp, CEO of the Native Agriculture Financial Services (NAFS), join together in providing support and congratulations to USDA and the entire team under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership for paving the difficult path forward to ensure these assistance payments were made.
Ms. Hipp says: “Today is important. It is further proof that working together we can be on a better path for our future. We at NAFS are thrilled by today’s announcement and are pleased that so many people were engaged in the process, able to hear about and submit their applications, and that USDA moved forward so rapidly to ensure this work was done and done well.”
Ms. Stanger-McLaughlin says: “The recent distribution of payments under DFAP is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to overcoming obstacles and expanding access with USDA. Despite obstacles, and in the face of trying to serve many stakeholders, this effort signifies a positive step forward in acknowledging historic discrimination and striving towards a more inclusive future for all Native American farmers, ranchers, and producers. These payments have paved the way for greater equity and access to resources for Native American farmers and ranchers who were unfairly disadvantaged in the past. NAAF applauds the continues commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural landscapes for all.”
Ms. Hipp further says: “The path to reach today’s payments was lengthy and the steps were complex. But the USDA persevered and now over 43,000 individuals will receive assistance payments under the program. DFAP is important, just as the Equity agenda at USDA is important. These efforts began on day one of the Biden-Harris administration and are important step forward.”
Since its inception in 2018, NAAF has been focused on ensuring critical business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services reaches deep into the Native agriculture community. Ms. Hipp currently serves as CEO of NAFS, created to reach hard-to-reach producers in need of capital access. NAFS is on the path to becoming an Other Financing Institution within the Farm Credit system of institutions which will continue to pave unique ways forward to ensure more and more producers have access to the capital they need to survive and thrive.
Applicants awaiting notification of payment under the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their emails or mailboxes for updates. In the event that notification is not received by August 6th, individuals can reach out to the hotline for assistance. Additional details about the awards, including geographic distribution, can be accessed on the program’s website, 22007apply.gov. For further information on USDA’s equity initiatives and available resources, visit www.usda.gov/equity.
Beware of scams: No fee is required to receive a payment if you have been approved for a DFAP award.
To get information about your submitted DFAP application
- Call the DFAP call center at 1-800-721-0970. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Eastern, excluding Federal holidays.
- Email [email protected] (NOTE: This email is for inquiries only. Please do not email documents or other information.)
- If you have an established DFAP account, your application status will soon be updated online. Check this website for the update date, and then log-in at https://forms.22007apply.gov.(NOTE: If you did not apply online, you cannot get your application status online.)
