PLASKETT ANNOUNCES DISCRIMINATION FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PAYMENTS TO VIRGIN ISLANDS FARMERS

For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland

August 1^st, 2024 202-808-6129

This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act through the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), which aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending prior to January 2021.

"This program is an important acknowledgement of the past inequities perpetuated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and this country against not just black farmers but black businesses. This is an important step to rebuild trust with communities and create a stronger, more resilient farm sector," said Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett.

"I am grateful to the local USDA office here in the Virgin Islands and my team for getting the word out to our farmers about this opportunity. 130 Virgin Islanders are receiving payments - both farmers who had or have farming or ranching operations and as well farmers who had planned to have operations but were unable as a railroad of USDA actions. Our Virgin Islands recipients will receive in total $3,688,430."

"I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to transforming America's food system and look forward to the continued historic investments in rural America; specifically, places like the Virgin Islands, to promote equity and the removal of systemic barriers. I remain committed to elevating the concerns of our farmers and ranchers and ensuring equitable access to federal programs and funding."

For more information on the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, visit the website here.

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