USDA has opened a financial assistance application for producers and forest landowners—including veteran farmers—who have experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs.
The program is open to those who have experienced discrimination for any reason. “The Farmer Veteran Coalition’s longstanding relationship with USDA has served many of our members well, but not all members have been served fairly,” said Jeanette Lombardo, executive director of Farmer Veteran Coalition, in a statement.
“Opportunities for (Farm Service Agency) loans may not have been made available to all farmers that are protected against discrimination.”
Applications are due by Oct. 31. To access the application, visit 2007apply.gov. The process is not on a first come, first served basis, and applications will be reviewed in the months following the deadline.
