The heart of this Act modifies the earlier Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994. The idea is to earmark, or “set aside,” resources specifically for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. These people, often from groups that have faced historic and persistent discrimination, will now have an increased share of grants to support urban agriculture and innovative production methods.
Let’s take a closer look at the provisions of H.R. 3902.
According to the proposed amendment, $25 million per year from 2019 through 2028, has been authorized to support this venture. Notably, out of these annual appropriations, at least 10 percent will be set aside to award grants to eligible entities serving socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. These grants will account for a minimum of $10,000 per recipient each fiscal year.
But what exactly does “socially disadvantaged” mean in this context? The legislation refers to the definition provided in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are individuals who’ve experienced racial or ethnic prejudices because of their identity and are part of groups that have faced discrimination when it comes to farming.
The proposed legislation doesn’t stop at simply allocating resources. It mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Agriculture to provide Congress with a closer look at the effectiveness of these efforts. A year after the enactment of the Act – and each year thereafter – the Secretary must submit a series of evaluation pieces: a report detailing targeted farming opportunities, training, and outreach practices implemented that year; a comprehensive list of census tracts which have received technical assistance; recommendations on how to enhance equity for socially disadvantaged and small farmers and ranchers; and other relevant data necessary to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of the technical assistance provided, outreach efforts implemented, and grants awarded.
By doing this, the “Growing Opportunities for Innovative Farming Act” aims for transparency and allows for mid-course corrections, if need be, enhancing the efficiency and impact of the program.
The bill is currently under review within the Committee on Agriculture. Depending on their recommendation, it will be forwarded to either the House or Senate for consideration. If passed, this could play a significant role in reshaping the American agricultural landscape by fostering diversity and inclusivity.
The Act celebrates the diversity of American farmers and ranchers, and strongly emphasizes the importance of aiding those who’ve been at a historical disadvantage. For urban agriculture, which enables farming within cities, this could mean new lifeblood, as these areas are more likely to be home to socially disadvantaged groups. By prioritizing these groups, the bill seeks to provide them with the resources necessary to thrive in the farming sector, contributing to a vibrant and diverse agricultural ecosystem.
In conclusion, the “Growing Opportunities for Innovative Farming Act” creates pathways for supporting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Simultaneously, it encourages innovative agricultural practices that are not only more sustainable but also have the potential to bring positive transformations to the urban landscape. This legislation is but a first step, and much depends on how effectively it’s implemented and evaluated in the future. However, it certainly looks like a step in the right direction.
