Friday July 07 Ag News

USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Natural Disaster and Pandemic Revenue Loss Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.

ERP and PARP offer a holistic approach to disaster assistance and provide economic support for producers who bear the financial brunt of circumstances beyond their control.

“With a focus on revenue-based assistance, our goal is to provide all producers of eligible crops and livestock, including new and underserved producers, with financial support to ease the economic impact of compounded, adverse market and weather instabilities,” said Tim Divis, Acting State Executive Director for FSA in Nebraska. “Applying this holistic approach to assistance acknowledges the myriad of crises that producers have faced in recent years.”

Eligibility   
To be eligible for ERP Phase Two, producers must have suffered a decrease in allowable gross revenue in 2020 or 2021 due to necessary expenses related to losses of eligible crops from a qualifying natural disaster event. Assistance will be primarily to producers of crops that were not covered by federal crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), since crops covered by these were included in the assistance under ERP Phase One.   
 
To be eligible for PARP, an agricultural producer of eligible crops and livestock must have been in the business of farming during at least part of the 2020 calendar year and had a 15% or greater decrease in allowable gross revenue for the 2020 calendar year, as compared to a baseline year.  
 
FSA offers an online ERP tool and PARP tool that can help producers determine what is considered allowable gross revenue for each respective program. Through cooperative agreements with FSA, nine organizations are also providing free ERP Phase Two application assistance to producers across the United States and territories.  

ERP Phase Two Policy Updates
USDA recently updated ERP Phase Two to provide a method for valuing losses and accessing ERP Phase Two benefits to eligible producers of certain crops, including grapes grown and used by the same producer for wine production or forage that is grown, stored and fed to livestock, that do not generate revenue directly from the sale of the crop. Revenue and pricing guidelines for expected revenue for wine grapes and on-farm forage is available online for producer reference and convenience when applying for ERP Phase Two.

Requirement to Purchase Crop Insurance or NAP Coverage 
All producers who receive ERP Phase Two payments must purchase crop insurance, or NAP coverage where crop insurance is not available, in the next two available crop years as determined by the Secretary. Purchased coverage must be at 60/100 level of coverage or higher for insured crops, or at the catastrophic coverage level or higher for NAP crops.

Crops that are not eligible for crop insurance or NAP are still eligible for ERP Phase Two, but producers must obtain Whole Farm Revenue Protection or a Micro Farm Program policy to meet linkage requirements.
 
Maximize FSA Office Visits
Producers should contact their local FSA office to make an appointment to apply for ERP Phase Two and PARP assistance. Producers should also keep in mind that July 17 is a major deadline to complete acreage reports for most crops. FSA encourages producers to complete the ERP Phase Two application, PARP application and acreage reporting during the same office visit.   




Your voting guide for the 2023 Nebraska Soybean Board Elections

Ballots will be going out the week of July 10 to farmers residing in District 5. Please follow the ballot instructions carefully to ensure your vote is counted. If you have not received a ballot by July 19, please call 402-466-1969 to request one.

Return ballots should be postmarked by July 31st.

The Nebraska Soybean Board is funded and led by you, its farmers. If you want your voice heard and to see your input reflected in the work NSB does, it’s important that you vote in the election for the NSB board members in July.

We strongly encourage all Nebraska soybean farmers in District 5 to vote and to get to know your board members once they take office. Learn more about District 5 candidates below.

Mark Caspers - Auburn, NE - Nemaha County
    Mark is a fourth-generation family farmer from Nemaha County, Nebraska. For 30 years he has operated a no-till dryland farm producing soybeans, small grains, corn, clover and alfalfa.
    He is a graduate of LEAD XVII and attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in agribusiness. He is also a real estate broker, real estate appraiser and auctioneer. He has played an active role in numerous local organizations including Past Master of Nemaha Valley Lodge #4 A.F. & A.M. and Past President of the Auburn Rotary Club and currently chairs the Stone Church Preservation Foundation.
    Mark is presently the chairman of the Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation; this organization works to advance the research and education of clean-burning, biomass-based diesel alternatives and their co-products. He serves as a director for the National Oilheat Research Alliance. He has previously served 12 years as the District 5 representative to the Nebraska Soybean Board and spent 9 years representing Nebraska on the United Soybean Board.

“After taking a 9-year hiatus from serving on the Nebraska Soybean Board, I would like to once again, have the opportunity to represent the District 5 soybean producers. This will enable me to enhance and build upon relationships I have previously made with fellow industry leaders during my previous service on the Nebraska and United Soybean Boards. Serving another term will allow me the opportunity to benefit from these relationships already forged and parlay them with the insight gained from my previous Soybean Board service, allowing me even better to serve the soybean producers of District 5. The soybean has a multitude of uses, and it would be a top priority for me that, in addition to discovering new utilization, to promote increased demand for new uses of soybean products that have already been developed, such as soy-biodiesel/bioheat and the increasing the demand for meal utilized in both animal agriculture and aquaculture.”

Steve Landon - Greenwood, NE - Cass County
    Steve grew up on a farm in northwest Cass County near Greenwood, Nebraska. He is the sixth generation farmer, and his family raises corn, soybeans and wheat.
    Steve attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln where he received a bachelor’s degree in Diversified Agriculture and received a master’s degree in Leadership Development.
    After college, Steve started his career in Nebraska Extension, serving as an Assistant in Washington County and Educator in Adams/Webster Counties.
    In 2017, Steve went back to the family farm to continue the family tradition of farming. His family’s goal each year is to increase soil health, eliminate soil erosion through conservation practices and promote agricultural education to adults and youth.
    Steve is also a graduate of the Nebraska LEAD XL class.

“I would like to serve on the Nebraska Soybean Board by representing the people within my district and state. By being the next generation of farmers within the state, I would work with others to find solutions to help soybean producers recognize the importance of their impact on local, state, national and world perspectives. The world is changing, and I would like to serve the Nebraska Soybean Board to help producers seek opportunities and innovations to improve their own operations.”
 
Dave Nielsen - Waverly, NE - Lancaster County
    Dave and Vicki Nielsen farm in northern Lancaster County, along with his son Connor, and Chris Lovitt, a full-time employee. The dryland operation produces corn, soybeans and hay, utilizing no-till production and extensive conservation practices.
    Dave graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1986 and is the 3rd generation to run the family farm since his grandfather purchased the original 160 acres in 1914.
    Dave has always believed in serving the industry that has provided a livelihood for his family. Dave participated in 4-H and FFA in his younger years, which spurred his interest in agricultural leadership. Dave has continued that service to agriculture by serving on the Nebraska Corn Board, The Nebraska State Farm Bureau Board, County Farm Bureau Board and the NCGA Bio-Tech and Trade Team. Dave is also a member of Agricultural Builders of Nebraska, Soybean and Corn Growers Associations and LEAD Alumni (LEAD Group XXI).
    Dave has worked closely with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on soybean gall midge research for the past few years. He has also done many research projects through the On-Farm Research Network. Both programs receive funding from the Nebraska Soybean Board.

“The Nebraska Soybean Board’s duty is to decide how to allocate check-off dollars so that all farmers across Nebraska get the highest return on their investment. I will do my best to be prudent with your investment dollars. This includes analyzing research projects that increase profitability for farmers. I will also promote exports of both whole soybeans and value-added products made from soybeans. Expanding and supporting the livestock industry through value-added products from soybeans is also a priority of mine. My leadership experience from other agriculture organizations has prepared me to represent soybean producers with integrity, passion and knowledge. I would appreciate your vote!”

Other positions available in 2023 were District 7 and the At-Large position.
-    Doug Saathoff, in the District 7 position, ran unopposed and will retain the position.
-    Greg Anderson, in the At-Large position, ran unopposed and was re-elected by the sitting board at the June Nebraska Soybean Board meeting.

The nine-member Nebraska Soybean Board collects and disburses the Nebraska share of funds generated by the one-half of one percent times the net sales price per bushel of soybeans sold. Nebraska soybean checkoff funds are invested in research, education, domestic and foreign markets, including new uses for soybeans and soybean products.



Make The Corn Silage In Your Pile Worth More Webinar On July 25

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team’s 2023 Dairy Forage Series continues with a webinar on Tuesday, July 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. CDT, with a focus on managing critical elements in the building the pile and cutting the silage.

Dr. Nelson Lobos is a skilled technical service manager, trainer and sales support, as well as in research and development of new products. Strong engineering background with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences, a M.Sc. and Ph.D. focused in Dairy Nutrition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His presentation will focus on the elements to build a pile that is compacted to eliminate air and reduce spoilage.

Dr. Luis Ferraretto, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist - Ruminant Nutrition, University of Wisconsin- Madison is originally from Brazil where he earned his B.S. in Animal Science from São Paulo State University in 2008. Immediately after the completion of his B.S. Degree, Luiz joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison for an internship (2009) followed by an M.S. (2011) and Ph.D. (2015) in dairy science with a focus on applied dairy nutrition and forage quality. Luiz joined UW-Madison in May of 2020.

His research and extension interests are applied ruminant nutrition and management. His program is focused on understanding and improving starch and fiber utilization by dairy cows, corn silage and high-moisture corn quality and digestibility, the use of alternative by-products as feed ingredients, supplementation of feed additives to lactating cows, and the development of on-farm and laboratory techniques for forage and feed analysis.

Dr. Ferraretto will discuss the importance of a ¾ inch cut and kernel processing for dairy cows.

There is no fee to participate in this webinar; however, preregistration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Preregister online at https://go.iastate.edu/LWZH0F.

For more information, contact the ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Field Specialist in your area: in Northwest Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230 or fredhall@iastate.edu; in Northeast Iowa, Jennifer Bentley, 563-382-2949 or jbentley@iastate.edu; in East Central Iowa, Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 or tranel@iastate.edu.



Soybean Farmers Encouraged to Vote in ISA Director Elections

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is driven to deliver insights, tools, activities and information to improve the competitiveness and profitability of the state’s soybean growers. This is a feat only made possible by the collective voice and checkoff investment of Iowa’s soybean farmers.
 
This July, ISA encourages the state’s 40,000 soybean growers to participate in the board of directors election. Iowa farmers who market at least 250 bushels of soybeans annually are eligible to vote in the annual election. Ballots and additional instructions have been mailed and must be postmarked for return by July 31.
 
“We encourage farmers to lend their voices and see their input reflected in the work ISA does,” says Randy Miller, ISA president and soybean farmer near Lacona. “When we elect farmers to the ISA board, we are choosing leaders tasked with deciding how the checkoff dollars of Iowa soybean growers are best utilized.”
 
The ISA board consists of two directors representing each of Iowa’s nine crop reporting districts and four At-Large positions. Directors serve for three years and are eligible for three consecutive terms. Farmers on this year’s ballot represent ISA Districts 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 and At-Large. Two At-Large director races are taking place.
    District 1: Paul Kassel (Spencer); Randy Kroksh (Akron)
    District 2: Marilee Jones (Sheffield); Sam Showalter (Hampton)
    District 4: Jeff Frank (Lake View); James Hepp (Rockwell City)
    District 5: Corey Goodhue (Carlisle); Patrick Murken (Story City); Scott Neff (Beaman)
    District 7: Scot Bailey (Anita); Mark Focht (Villisca)
    District 9: Tom Adam (Harper); Jeff Hedges (Oakville)
    At-Large: Laverne Arndt (Sac City); Sharon Chism (Huxley)
    At-Large: Aimee Bissell (Bedford); Rex Lawler (New Providence)

“We thank all candidates for their willingness to volunteer, step up and lead,” says Miller. “Farmer involvement remains critical to the health and vibrancy of ISA and our industry for years to come.”
 
Farmers who have not received a mailed ballot by June 30 should contact the Iowa Soybean Association at (515) 251-8620. To learn more about the candidates, visit iasoybeans.com.



May Pork Exports Highest in Two Years; Beef Exports Below Record-Large, Year-Ago Totals

Led by another outstanding month in Mexico and robust demand for variety meat, exports of U.S. pork continued to gain momentum in May, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While well below the record-large volume and value posted in May 2022, beef exports improved from April and were the second largest (behind March) of 2023.

Record value for pork variety meat highlights May export growth
May pork exports reached 261,361 metric tons (mt), up 16% from a year ago, the ninth largest on record and the largest since May 2021. Export value climbed 12% to $731.1 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the seventh highest on record. Pork variety meat exports were particularly outstanding in May, setting a value record of $127 million.

May exports to leading market Mexico were well above last year, while shipments to Taiwan were the largest in 12 years and export value to South Korea reached a five-year high. Exports were also significantly higher to Australia, Central America and Malaysia.

Through the first five months of the year, pork and pork variety meat exports were 14% above last year’s pace at 1.22 million mt, valued at $3.35 billion (up 13%).

“While pork shipments to Mexico are on a remarkable pace, it takes a wide range of markets to achieve double-digit growth,” explained Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “Demand is strong throughout the Western Hemisphere and the U.S. industry continues to make gains in Asian markets where supplies of European pork are much tighter than a year ago.”

May beef exports lower overall, but strengthen in North America and Taiwan
Beef exports totaled 116,159 mt, down 14% from the May 2022 record but up 4% from the previous month. Export value was $874.7 million, down 19% year-over-year but 2% above April. May exports strengthened to Mexico, Taiwan and South Africa, and export value to Canada was the highest in nearly eight years. Beef variety meat exports were the largest in 12 months at just under 27,000 mt.

For January through May, beef and beef variety exports were down 10% to 554,069 mt, valued at $4.09 billion (down 21%).

“U.S. beef exports face considerable headwinds in 2023, on both the supply and demand side, especially when compared to last year’s massive totals,” Halstrom said. “To address tighter beef supplies, USMEF has heightened efforts to showcase underutilized cuts, even in our well-established markets. It’s also encouraging to see beef variety meat exports maintain a strong pace, as this is essential for maximizing carcass value.”

Lamb exports trend lower in May
May exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 141 mt, down 32% from a year ago and the lowest volume of 2023. Export value was $772,409, down 17%. May exports declined to most major destinations, but increased to the Bahamas. For January through May, exports remained 9% above last year’s pace at 958 mt, valued at $5.5 million (up 5%).



BEEF. IT’S WHAT’S FOR DINNER. PARTNERS WITH POPULAR CHEF FOR LIVE COOK ALONG

Cookbook author and social media influencer, Shereen Pavlides, will host a live cook along from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Culinary Center, funded by the Beef Checkoff, on Tuesday, July 11 at 4:00 pm mountain time. Pavlides will showcase beef on her popular Cooking with Shereen Instagram page. She is known for her cooking style and social media teaching method which have earned her a following of more than six million across her Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.

Shereen’s followers, as well as fans of the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. social media accounts, will be invited to visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com prior to the cook along where they will find a grocery list and all of the details for the event. During the event Shereen will teach her social media audience how to make one of her favorite summer recipes – Jamaican Jerk Skirt Steak with Coconut Rice.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, and manager of the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand is excited to partner with such a well-known influencer. “Partnering with an influencer like Shereen allows us to tap into a new audience,” said Clark Price, Federation Division Chair for NCBA. “Not only will we be able to re-introduce the brand to thousands of consumers, this is an opportunity to showcase beef’s versatility and encourage and inspire consumers to prepare new beef recipes from the comfort of their very own kitchen.”

To join the cook along make sure to follow Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. on Facebook and Instagram and Cooking With Shereen. And visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for event details and the grocery list.



‘EATS Act’ Would Abrogate Proposition 12
 
This week, Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA-2) and Zach Nunn (R-IA-3) introduced the “Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act” to prohibit state and local governments from imposing laws and regulations that have the effect of dictating agricultural production practices outside their borders. Companion legislation in the Senate, titled the “Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression (EATS) Act,” is sponsored by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) with support from several Senators, including Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
 
Rep. Hinson sees Proposition 12 as a “bacon ban,” which threatens every aspect of the U.S. food supply. Hinson recently stated that Proposition 12 “increases production costs for our farmers and will drive up the cost of food at a time when we are already seeing huge inflation in the food space.”
 
The EATS Act was prompted by California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3, both of which ban the sale of pork from hogs whose mothers (sows) were raised in housing that fails to meet the states’ arbitrary standards. It would prevent states like California or Massachusetts from passing laws that seek to regulate agricultural production practices on farms outside of the state.
 
The EATS Act restores the long-standing relationship between states and the federal government under the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause, which grants Congress the exclusive power to regulate trade between and among the states and restricts states from regulating commerce outside their borders.
 


Parties Move to Delay Implementation of Question 3
 
Facing an imminent July 13 implementation date for Question 3 (Q3), and with several issues regarding implementation still being unclear, NPPC and various New England-based state restaurant associations together with the state of Massachusetts, asked the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts to extend the current stay on implementation of Q3 until August 23, 2023. That agreement has been submitted to a judge for approval.
 
Massachusetts officials have been slow to prepare for Q3 implementation. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 11 decision on California Proposition 12, Massachusetts was free to impose production standards on pork being sold in the Massachusetts’ marketplace. Other issues raised in NPPC’s Q3 challenge last summer, such as restrictions on the transshipment of pork products through Massachusetts to other New England states (as well as export), were still left to be worked out.
 
Extending the current stay on implementation of Q3 until August 23 allows Massachusetts to work with NPPC and its coalition partners to work on addressing the transshipment issue so pork can continue to reach other New England states as well as provide guidance to the industry and supply chain to ensure a smooth transition as Q3 is implemented.
 


Pig Out on the Big Pig Breakfast Sandwich

Introducing the ultimate breakfast indulgence: the Big Pig sandwich! Head to your nearest EG America Banner convenience store this summer and treat yourself to a pork-lover's dream. Packed with over 6 ounces of pure pork goodness, including 1 sausage patty, 2 slices of ham and 4 slices of bacon!

This mouthwatering sandwich was created out of NPB’s partnership with EG America, the 4th largest convenience store operator in the U.S. with 1,702 stores in 30 states. The Big Pig first hit menus in 2020, with 300,000 sandwiches sold in 4 months. The pandemic and supply chain issues hindered full-time availability, so we're thrilled to announce its return as a limited-time offer (LTO) with the goal of making it a permanent menu item.

But there's more to this partnership than just a tasty sandwich. The Pork Checkoff funds invested in this promotion circulate back into local convenience stores.

Indulge in the delicious sandwich and help turn this limited-time offer into a menu staple! Head to your nearest EG America Banner Store today and experience the porky perfection of the Big Pig sandwich.

Look for a location near you! Snap a pic of your sandwich and tag @NationalPorkBoard on Instagram. #realpork



Growth Energy to IRS: Ethanol Ready for SAF Spotlight

In a letter submitted today, Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuels trade association, urged the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to include the U.S. ethanol industry in its effort to reach the Biden administration's goals for the expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Specifically, the administration's SAF Grand Challenge pledges to reach 3 billion gallons of SAF production per year by 2030 and 35 billion gallons per year by 2050.  
 
"To meet these goals, it will be necessary to harness the U.S. ethanol industry, which at 17.4 billion gallons per year accounts for over 80% of biofuels production capacity in the U.S.," said Growth Energy in the letter. "Ethanol is one of the few readily available feedstocks for SAF production that can be utilized in the aviation sector if the proper economic conditions are in place and if lifecycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions associated with ethanol-to-jet (ETJ) SAF is conducted properly."
 
Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), IRS is responsible for the implementation of the bill's SAF tax credits included in sections 40B and 45Z. How large these incentives are, and who is eligible to receive them, will be determined by what lifecycle analysis (LCA) model IRS chooses to use in its assessments of potential SAF sources and feedstocks. In its letter, Growth Energy called on IRS to rely on the best available science to accurately account for the emissions profile of biofuels, in particular by using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) model developed by the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory.
 
"When implementing the Section 40B and 45Z SAF tax credits, IRS must ensure LCA methodologies used for calculation of credits reflect the best available science so as to incentivize increased production of low carbon-intensity SAF in order to further Congress’ core objective of accelerating the reduction of GHG emissions from the U.S transportation system," the letter said. "Implementing the statute in this matter is critical to the decarbonization and continued economic competitiveness of the U.S. aviation sector."
 
The letter also highlighted the increasing efficiency of the U.S. biofuels sector and outlined the reasons why other LCA models aren't as accurate as GREET.



Financial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) directs USDA to provide this assistance. Since the law’s passage, USDA has worked diligently to design the program in accordance with significant stakeholder input.

“The opening of the application process is an important step in delivering on our commitment of providing financial assistance to those who faced discrimination in USDA farm lending, as swiftly and efficiently as possible,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA will continue to work with our national vendor partners and community-based organizations to make sure eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners have clear information about what is available to them, how to apply, and where to obtain assistance with their questions at each step of the way.”

The program website, 22007apply.gov, is now open. The website includes an English- and Spanish-language application that applicants can download or submit via an e-filing portal, information on how to obtain technical assistance in-person or virtually, and additional resources and details about the program.

Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination by USDA in its farm loan programs prior to January 1, 2021 and/or are currently debtors with assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was the subject of USDA discrimination that occurred prior to January 1, 2021, are eligible for this program.  

To apply, borrowers have the option to apply via the e-filing portal at 22007apply.gov or submit paper-based forms via mail or in-person delivery to the program’s local offices. The application process will be open from July 7 to October 31, 2023. Under the planned timeline, applications will be reviewed in November and December, with payments reaching recipients soon thereafter. Importantly, applicants should know that the application process is not on a first come, first served, basis. All applications received or postmarked before the October 31 deadline will be considered.

To support producers throughout the application process, USDA is ensuring that organizations with extensive experience conducting outreach to farm organizations are able to support individuals who may be eligible for the program. These groups include AgrAbility, Farmer Veteran Coalition, Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Intertribal Agriculture Council, Land Loss Prevention Program, National Young Farmers Coalition, and Rural Coalition.  

Vendors operating four regional hubs are also providing technical assistance and working closely with these and other community-based organizations to conduct outreach using digital and grassroots strategies, to ensure potential applicants are informed about the program and have the opportunity to apply. These hubs are operating a network of brick-and-mortar program offices and will conduct extensive outreach about the program. Windsor Group serves farmers in the eastern regions of the U.S. and Analytic Acquisitions serves the western regions. A national administrator, Midtown Group, is responsible for program oversight and integrity, and will lead a national call-center, operate the application website - 22007apply.gov, which is now open – and review and process applications and payments. All vendors have experience in professional services, supporting government contracts, and complex program operations.   

On March 1, 2023, USDA shared initial details on how the Section 22007 program will work, including that the Inflation Reduction Act specifies the Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for providing this assistance through qualified nongovernmental entities, under standards set by USDA. USDA entered into agreements with vendors and cooperators in May.   

In addition to the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) opening today, the Inflation Reduction Act also created several other programs that are helping USDA rebuild trust, address systemic issues and improve service to people who may have been underserved by USDA in the past. Information about USDA’s equity agenda and progress is available at www.usda.gov/equity.

In standing up this program, USDA has become aware of some lawyers and groups spreading misleading information about the discrimination assistance process, pressuring people to sign retainer agreements, and asking people to fill out forms with private and sensitive information. As of today, the official application process has begun and filling out an application is free.

No attorneys’ fees will be paid to applicants or their counsel by USDA or by any other agency or department of the United States. The amount of financial assistance will not be increased for those claimants who are represented by an attorney. Applicants are not required to retain an attorney. USDA, the national administrator, and the regional hub vendors will neither recommend that any applicant retain counsel or retain a specific attorney or law firm, nor discourage an applicant from obtaining counsel or using a specific attorney or law firm. For more information, read our fact sheet about the program timeline and ways to protect against possible scams.