In a noteworthy development from Madison, Wisconsin, a local dairy farmer lodged a federal lawsuit asserting the ongoing illicit action of the Trump administration in overlooking white farmers while persistently encouraging minority-centric programs. The farmer, known as Adam Faust, believes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is unfairly implementing racial bias in financial assistance. It is ironic to note that Faust was already part of a winning lawsuit brought against the Biden administration last year for exhibiting racial bias in the USDA’s Farmer Loan Forgiveness Plan.
Continuing upon this theme of racial disparity, Faust’s latest suit sharpens its aim on the USDA’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives that had been embedded during Biden’s regime. Interesting enough, the Wisconsin Institute proactively communicated a legal caution to the USDA earlier in April. This concern was further echoed by half a dozen Republican Wisconsin Congressmen asking the USDA to scrutinize and conclude these contentious programs.
Faust’s conviction was palpable as he was quoted saying, ‘The USDA should respect the President’s pledge to abolish racial bias in the federal government. After being consistently dismissed by a federal organization that’s expected to bolster agriculture, I am hopeful that my lawsuit will bring some much-needed clarity, accountability, and results from USDA.’ Regrettably, the USDA’s spokesperson gave no comments.
In contrast to these developments, the President of the National Black Farmers Association, John Boyd, described this lawsuit as ‘personally frustrating and challenging for his movement.’ Boyd was quick to state that the farmers bearing the brunt of the current circumstance are clearly the Black farmers.
As per the lawsuit’s details, Faust is considered one of the 2 million white American male farmers who are falling victim to the USDA’s racially influenced policies. Rather poignantly, the lawsuit identifies three specific USDA programs and policies, stating that these disadvantaged white men and breached the Constitution’s assurance for equal treatment by fostering discrimination based on race and sex.
Interestingly, Faust is part of a program conceived to balance the disparity between milk prices and feed costs. However, it is alleged that Faust is obligated to pay a $100 administrative fee, which, contrastingly, is waived for minority and female farmers. Moreover, this fee is seemingly an added burden for Faust, who is already grappling with meager financial assistance.
To make matters more complex, Faust is also associated with a USDA program offering a guarantee of 90% of loan values for white farmers, while it provides a higher guarantee of 95% to women and racial minorities. According to the lawsuit, this differential coverage places farmers like Faust in an inferior position.
Faust’s predicaments do not end there. He has recently initiated work on a new manure storage system that could be eligible for reimbursement through a USDA environmental conservation program. Here too, the lawsuit argues, Faust is at a setback, with 75% of his costs being eligible, in comparison to the 90% costs eligibility offered to minority farmers.
In a landmark ruling in a related lawsuit last year, a federal court judge declared the act of granting loan forgiveness limited to ‘socially disadvantaged farmers’ was tantamount to unconstitutional racial discrimination. In consequence, the Biden administration had to suspend the said program, followed by a repeal by Congress in 2022.
The Wisconsin Institute, known for its litigious approach to DEI programs in government, is responsible for numerous similar lawsuits across 25 states. Acting primarily as a representative for Republicans, it’s ironically stated that it’s not eager to sue, subtly suggesting their suits are a necessary response to government infringement.
It is remarkable how the Trump administration displayed an aggressive stance to alleviate government’s DEI efforts. Known for fulfilling bold campaign promises, the administration aimed for a profound cultural shift in the U.S. The objective was clear – move from promoting diversity to an exclusive concentration on merit.