Central State University counters discrimination in U.S. farm programs
Central State University Extension hosted the first of three Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) workshops on Dec. 15 at the University Student Center on the Wilberforce campus.
The workshop was for farmers and ranchers alleging discrimination by U.S. Department of Agriculture farm programs before January 2021.
The workshops allow farmers and ranchers to learn more about the DFAP program, network with other farmers and ranchers, and receive technical assistance in filing their complaints.'
The DFAP program is part of Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It provides $2.2 billion for financial assistance for farmers and ranchers who experienced discrimination from the USDA due to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, retaliation in the Civil Rights Movement, and other ways. The workshop was free to attend and included dinner.
Central State University Extension planned two more workshops in Cleveland and Toledo/Oregon on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. The Cleveland workshop was held at the Cleveland State University Student Center. The Toledo/Oregon workshop was held at the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center on State Park Road in Oregon.
All three workshops were facilitated by representatives of Windsor Group LLC, an authorized small business vendor contracted by the USDA to implement the DFAP. Windsor Group has pledged to provide farmers and ranchers with the tools and resources they need to file their complaints and receive the financial assistance they deserve.
Resources
