Central State University Extension to host free Farmer Discrimination Financial Assistance workshop series
Farmers or ranchers who experienced discrimination by the USDA farm programs can receive technical assistance filing a complaint
Are you a farmer who has experienced discrimination through USDA farm programs or loans? If so, plan to attend one of three upcoming Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) workshops, hosted by Central State University Extension.
The workshops, to be held at three locations throughout Ohio, are for farmers or ranchers who experienced discrimination by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm programs before January 2021. Farmers and ranchers can receive technical assistance filing their complaints at the workshops.
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 around race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, retaliation in a civil rights movement, and other ways. The workshops are free to attend and will include dinner.
Discrimination Financial Assistance Program workshop dates and times
DAYTON/XENIA/WILBERFORCE
Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Room 210, Central State University Student Center, 1400 Brush Row Rd., Wilberforce, Ohio 45384.
Register now or contact Clare Thorn at cthorn@centralstate.edu for more information.
CLEVELAND
Dec. 19, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Cleveland State University Student Center, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
Registrants will receive a link via email.
Register now or contact Kelly Beers at kbeers@centralstate.edu.
TOLEDO/OREGON
Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, 1750 State Park Road No. 2, Oregon, Ohio 43616
Register now or email esmith@centralstate.edu for more information.
Overview
At each location, dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. The program will be presented by Windsor Group, LLC, an authorized small business vendor contracted by the USDA to implement the DFAP.
Farmers or ranchers who need more information about DFAP or who cannot attend the meeting can learn more at www.22007apply.gov or by calling the National Call Center at 800-721-0970.
The application deadline for farmers and ranchers is Jan. 13, 2024.
Discrimination experienced could include, but not necessarily be limited to:
- Current debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm lending debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred before January 1, 2021.
- Have been or attempted to be a farmer or rancher but were denied access.
- Attempted to participate in farm lending but were denied by the USDA.
- Inability to verify your identity.
- Discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, or retaliation in a civil rights movement.
The workshops are hosted by Central State University Extension and funded by the 22007 Outreach Support Program through the Extension Foundation in whole or in part with funds from the USDA.
To learn more about the workshops or Central State University Extension programs, email afolck@centralstate.edu.
