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Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Producers Who Experienced Discrimination in USDA Farm Loan Programs

Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by USDA in USDA’s farm lending programs prior to January 1, 2021. On July 31, 2024, USDA announced that Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) awards totaling $2 billion have been made to 43,000 farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners whose applications reporting discrimination were eligible under the program. Distribution of these funds is one step in the long march towards justice and an inclusive, equitable USDA. The program complements other assistance made possible through the IRA, including assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers.

Financial Assistance Provided

Decisions and awards have been made as of July 30, 2024. If you applied and have not received notification by August 6, we encourage you to call the DFAP call center at 1-800-721-0970 or (if you filed your application online) to check your application status at forms.22007apply.gov. Your confirmation ID is helpful to retrieve your application status but not required.

On This Page

About the Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources

About the Program

The program statute required DFAP to be administered through qualified nongovernmental entities subject to standards set and enforced by USDA. Several entities were involved in the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, with varying roles and responsibilities. USDA contracted with three entities to serve as National Administrator and Regional Hubs, to conduct outreach, assist with the financial assistance application process, process applications, manage program call centers, and operate regionally based offices. 

The vendors include:

  • The Midtown Group, serving as the national administrator
  • Windsor Group, serving the eastern regions of the U.S. 
  • Analytic Acquisitions, serving the western regions of the U.S.

The National Administrator managed all aspects of the application process including application scoring and eligibility reviews. The regional hubs conducted outreach and technical assistance in addition to providing initial determinations on application eligibility and scoring.

During the application period, the vendors opened regional locations; they and USDA worked closely with community-based organizations across the country that are known and trusted by producer communities. These organizations included:

The vendors and organizations conducted outreach and technical assistance, ensuring potential applicants were informed about the program and had the opportunity to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I check the status of my application?

Decisions have been made, and some people may have already received notification. We encourage anyone who applied to call the DFAP call center (1-800-721-0970 ) if they have not received a notification by August 6. Or if you filed online, you can visit forms.22007apply.gov. Your confirmation ID is helpful to retrieve your application status but not required.

Will the funds be distributed on a first come, first served basis? Is there advantage to applying sooner rather than later?  

No. All applications received by the deadline were reviewed and considered.

Where can I learn more?

Visit 22007apply.gov for additional information. You can also get assistance from the DFAP call center, at 1-800-721-0970 or by emailing [email protected]. The DFAP call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Eastern, excluding federal holidays.

Additional Resources

Webinar: Tax Strategies for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP)

USDA cannot tell you if you will owe taxes, because everyone’s situation is different. USDA recommends that you speak with a tax professional about your own particular circumstances to be sure about what you might owe.

Learn More About Taxes and the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

Fact Sheets

News and Updates

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