H.R. 4947: No Discrimination in Farm Programs Act

This bill, titled the "No Discrimination in Farm Programs Act," aims to prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using race-based or sex-based criteria when administering certain agricultural programs. The main goals of the bill are to ensure that all individuals have a fair opportunity to participate in these programs, regardless of their race or gender.

Key Provisions

• Prohibition of Discriminatory Criteria: The Secretary of Agriculture would not be allowed to use race or sex as factors in decision-making for program administration.
• Merit-Based Administration: The bill mandates that the USDA administer these programs in a way that promotes meritocracy, fairness, and equal opportunity for all participants.

Covered Programs

The bill defines a number of "covered programs" that are affected by these prohibitions. These programs include:

• Pandemic assistance programs, particularly those designed to support agricultural producers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
• The Federal Crop Insurance program, which provides financial protection for farmers against crop loss.
• The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program, which encourages landowners to create habitats for wildlife.
• Indemnity payment programs that compensate producers for losses.
• Farm loan programs that include guaranteed loans and inventory property management.
• The Conservation Reserve Program, which pays farmers to convert land to conservation uses.
• Agricultural management assistance, which provides support for farmers to improve their operations.
• The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which protects agricultural land and wetlands through easements.
• Rural development programs that support economic growth in rural areas.
• Loan guarantee programs under various provisions of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

Implementation

The bill requires the USDA to ensure that the covered programs are implemented without the influence of race or sex considerations. This legislation is intended to reinforce equal access to federally administered agricultural assistance programs, aligning them with principles of equality and non-discrimination in federal support for agricultural producers.

Relevant Companies

None found.