Farmer Equity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFRs) as those belonging to groups that have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice. SDFRs include farmers who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian or Pacific Islander. The SDFR category includes women for some, but not all, USDA programs. 

Today, just 1.4% of farmers identify as Black or mixed race, compared with about 14% a century ago. These farmers represent less than 0.5% of total U.S. farm sales, according to McKinsey & Company.

This section shares practical ATTRA resources to assist minority farmers and highlight the regional offices that work with minority farmers on a daily basis to keep their farms viable and sustainable.