The Justice Department said most reviewed USDA programs giving preference to “socially disadvantaged” farmers violate equal protection principles and must be administered through constitutionally permissible methods.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Justice Department has determined that many Department of Agriculture programs giving preferences to “socially disadvantaged” farmers and ranchers are unconstitutional, saying federal benefits cannot be awarded based on race or sex without a sufficient legal justification.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced Monday that the department found USDA practices favoring certain groups under diversity, equity and inclusion policies violate equal protection requirements.
“Racial discrimination is illegal,” Blanche said, “and the government cannot show preference to certain groups when awarding special benefits without a compelling reason to justify the classification.”
The review examined USDA conservation programs, grant programs and technical assistance initiatives that offered benefits or preferences to farmers and ranchers classified as “socially disadvantaged.”
The USDA defines socially disadvantaged farmers as those “whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice,” including women and African American, Hispanic and Asian farmers.
USDA programs provide technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, including conservation planning, consultation and help designing and implementing conservation practices. Farmers typically pay a fee for some services, but USDA had sought to waive that fee exclusively for socially disadvantaged farmers.
The department also reviewed financial grant programs that give preference to applicants based on race or sex. One program, the Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program, awards grants intended to “encourage and assist socially disadvantaged individuals in owning and operating farms.”
The Justice Department concluded that billions of dollars distributed in fiscal 2025 improperly favored non-Caucasian applicants.
Of 36 programs reviewed, DOJ found that most were unlawful. The department said USDA must provide assistance through “constitutionally permissible means” rather than preferences based on race or sex.
Five programs will be retained because they can be “administered in a race- and sex-neutral manner,” according to the department.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said USDA will treat all applicants equally going forward.
“All persons served by this Department will, without question, be treated equally,” Rollins said.
The decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to eliminate DEI-based policies across federal agencies and education programs.
The Justice Department’s finding could reshape how USDA distributes conservation support, technical services and grant funding to farmers and ranchers, requiring programs to operate without racial or sex-based preferences unless they meet constitutional standards.
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