USDA ends race and sex-based preferences in farm programs

The US Department of Agriculture will no longer use race and sex to determine who gets increased benefits in its farm programs. This means that programs previously designed to help "socially disadvantaged" farmers will now apply to everyone equally, regardless of race or sex.

For decades, the USDA has faced lawsuits and made settlements over discrimination in its farm loan and benefit programs. This change signals the USDA's belief that past discrimination has been sufficiently addressed, and that race and sex-based remedies are no longer legally necessary. It shifts the focus from demographic categories to other criteria for support.