Bill > HR1167

This bill, the Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023, aims to address the history of discrimination against Black farmers and ranchers and require reforms within the Department of Agriculture to prevent future discrimination. Key provisions include: - Establishing an independent Civil Rights Oversight Board to oversee the Department of Agriculture's civil rights office and investigate reports of discrimination. - Creating an Equity Commission to study historical and ongoing discrimination against Black farmers and ranchers by the Department of Agriculture and recommend actions to address disparities. - Providing land grants to eligible Black individuals at no cost and establishing programs to support them in starting and operating new farming and ranching operations. - Increasing funding and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to expand agricultural education and research. - Enhancing access to credit and other assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including through the establishment of a National Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and Rancher Bank. - Implementing reforms to the Packers and Stockyards Act to address unfair practices by meatpackers that have disadvantaged livestock producers, including requirements for minimum spot market purchases.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1167/all-info