USDA Ends Race and Gender-Based Agricultural Programs
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reached a settlement that will put an end to agriculture programs that were based on race and gender. This development was first reported by Breitbart News.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) played a significant role in securing the settlement with the USDA, claiming that these programs were discriminatory across three federal initiatives. As part of this agreement, USDA will also cover WILL’s legal fees.
Dan Lennington, vice president and deputy general counsel at WILL, expressed appreciation for the USDA’s efforts to reform its programs, stating, “The Trump administration inherited dozens of discriminatory programs that favored some farmers over others based on race and gender. Those days are now behind us.”
In June of last year, WILL filed a lawsuit against the USDA’s use of race and gender as criteria for eligibility in various programs, including the Loan Guarantee Program and the Dairy Margin Coverage Fee. They argued that such policies violated the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
One of WILL’s clients is Adam Faust, a dairy farmer from Chilton, Wisconsin. The organization noted that he is among the 2 million white male American farmers (representing 60% of all farmers) who have faced adverse effects due to these policies implemented by the Biden administration.
Faust notably became the first farmer to sue the Biden administration over allegations of racial discrimination in the $4 billion Farm Loan Forgiveness Program. He was instrumental in obtaining a nationwide temporary restraining order to curb discrimination by the Department of Agriculture.
Since 2021, WILL has represented numerous individuals from 26 states, challenging race-based programs. They have initiated lawsuits against the Biden administration twelve times, successfully contesting programs such as the Farm Loan Forgiveness Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Importantly, WILL offers pro bono representation and covers all legal expenses.
In February 2025, the Trump administration contended that the USDA’s Farm Loan Forgiveness Program under the Biden administration was unconstitutional, citing discrimination against white farmers.
Breitbart News noted in 2025 that the program provided “socially disadvantaged” farmers with payments up to “120 percent of their eligible debt balances.” Those eligible were defined as members of groups experiencing racial or ethnic prejudice based on their group identity.
In May 2021, the Biden USDA described the program as a commitment to equity, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a workforce more reflective of America.
The USDA defined “socially disadvantaged” groups as including “Black/African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Pacific Islander,” explicitly excluding white individuals from this definition.
