Rep. Harris Introduces Bill to End Race and Gender Preferences in USDA Programs

The blanket prohibition on gender-based preferences in USDA programs could affect LGBTQ farmers or ranchers who may currently benefit from gender-related outreach or support initiatives within USDA. The broad language banning any preference on the basis of gender could limit future program designs aimed at addressing barriers faced by LGBTQ agricultural producers.

Native American and Alaska Native farmers and ranchers are among the groups currently classified as "socially disadvantaged" under existing USDA definitions. Removing this category would eliminate their access to targeted outreach, training, loan preferences, and conservation program set-asides specifically designed to help tribal agricultural producers overcome historical barriers to USDA program participation.

Minority farmers and ranchers currently classified as "socially disadvantaged" would lose targeted preferences, priority consideration, and enhanced benefits across USDA programs including farm loans, crop insurance outreach, conservation programs, and rural development grants. While supporters argue this creates a level playing field, minority farmers who have historically faced discrimination in USDA lending and services would lose specific protections and access points designed to address those disparities.

Small agricultural businesses owned by racial minorities or women would lose access to any race- or gender-based preferences in USDA lending, grant, and assistance programs. The bill's prohibition applies broadly to any entity, not just individual farmers, meaning cooperatives and small agricultural businesses currently qualifying for enhanced support as socially disadvantaged entities would lose that status.

Veteran farmer and rancher programs would be preserved under this bill. By keeping the veteran category while removing the "socially disadvantaged" designation, veteran farmers may see slightly increased share of program resources that were previously split across more categories.