USDA Lending Discrimination

The Inflation Reduction Act provides $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021.

If you have been discriminated against by lenders, contact McSweeney / Langevin for a free and confidential case evaluation.

BACKGROUND

For decades, the number of minority farm operators has been declining. Reports and congressional commissions have demonstrated that minority farmers–in particular black or African American farmers–have been discriminated against when it comes to lending practices. Farmers of color have long been disadvantaged by systemic and institutional racism, including discrimination in accessing credit, loans, resources, and markets. As a result, farmers of color make up only 4.6% of all U.S. farms. See www.rafiusa.org.

DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES

Farmers of color have been subject to discrimination for many years. Lawsuits and congressional action have attempted to compensate black farmers for past wrongs. Discriminatory practices include:

According to reports, in 2022, the USDA granted direct loans to only 36% of farmers who identified as Black. Direct loans are supposed to be among the easiest to secure from USDA. They are meant for farmers who cannot get credit elsewhere and can be used to obtain land, farming equipment, and for other operational costs needed to keep a farming business afloat.

In contrast, 72% of white farmers who applied for loans were approved. While 16% of Black farmers had their loan applications rejected, the rejection rate for white farmers was only 4%.

PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS

Contact McSweeney / Langevin today to protect your rights. We offer a no obligation legal consultation which is free and confidential. If we pursue your USDA loan discrimination case, we do not charge fees unless we secure a recovery for you.

Congress has earmarked $2.2 billion for farmers who have suffered loan discrimination. Under this program, payments to farmers are expected to approach the six figures range and can reach as high as $500,000.

The experienced USDA loan discrimination team at McSweeney / Langevin is ready to help. Contact us today.

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