The Department of Agriculture is seeking public comment on how it should implement Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act.  The provision aims to assist the nation’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs. 

 

Section 22007 provides, what the Department called a transformative opportunity for USDA to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners impacted by discrimination in farm lending programs.  IRA Section 22007 directs USDA to provide financial assistance to producers who have experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs and has appropriated $2.2 billion for this purpose.  

 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “These actions further build on USDA’s commitment to use all the tools it has available to help farmers.” The request for information in the Federal Register asks several questions on how USDA should design and administer the program.

 

The 30-day comment period closes November 14th.  USDA said it values your input and welcomes all comments.  Comments can be made by visiting the Federal Register's Website.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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