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Four Facts about the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program 

1. The deadline to submit is approaching fast. You can submit an application through January 13, 2024. If your application is late, it will not be reviewed, and you will not receive financial assistance. 
2. Applications submitted by U.S. or overnight mail must be postmarked no later than January 13, 2024. Applications submitted in person at a local office must be delivered by 8 p.m. local time on January 13, 2024. Applications submitted online must be submitted by 11:59 pm PDT on January 13, 2024. 
3. Filing an application is free. There are no fees associated with the application process or this program in any form. 
4. You are encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline. Planning to submit your application in advance allows time in case you have questions.  

A frequently asked question posed to the DFAP team is what types of lending are covered in this program? 

The program covers farm loan programs: Farm Ownership Loans (FO); Farm Operating Loans (OL); Microloans (ML); Youth Loans (YL); Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL); Emergency Loans (EM); Economic Emergency Loans (EE); Emergency Livestock Loans (EL); Soil and Water Loans (SW); Conservation Loans (CL); Softwood Timber Loans (ST), and Grazing Loans. Rural Development loans are not covered by this program. 

The program covers both direct and guaranteed lending through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (or its predecessor, the Farmers Home Administration)—but for applicants who participated in guaranteed loan programs, discrimination by the non-USDA lender does not qualify for this program; only discrimination by USDA personnel is covered. 

In the News

AgNet West Radio Network 



Just Over a Month Left to Apply for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

There is just over one month left to apply for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The deadline for the program was extended from October 31, 2023, to January 13, 2024. The extension aims to provide eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners with additional time to apply for assistance.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasizes transparency in program administration and the importance of earning trust from eligible individuals. The extension allows for expanded outreach efforts, including direct technical assistance and training sessions, to better inform and support applicants. 

National Young Farmers Coalition Hosts Livestream Event Navigating the DFAP Application Process 

The National Young Farmers Coalition recently hosted a two-part livestream event with the Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG) to walk viewers through the application process for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program.