Consumer Law
Caucasian Minnesota and North Dakota Farmers Join a Discrimination Lawsuit Against the USDA
Farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota have joined a group from across the U.S. alleging in lawsuits that a federal COVID-19 relief program for “socially disadvantaged” farmers discriminates based on race.
Since late April, groups of white farmers have filed federal lawsuits in multiple states targeting around $4 billion in U.S. Department of Agriculture loan assistance for Black, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American farmers. The aid is part of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress earlier in 2021.
In cases filed in Texas, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois and other states, the white farmers argue that the loan forgiveness program violates white farmers’ constitutional rights.
