Georgia female farmers lose grant money under cuts to USDA DEI programs
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A growing number of Georgia farmers are women, according to recent U.S. Census data. That data shows one in three farmers in the state is female.
A significant number of these women depended on federal grant initiatives focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the agricultural sector. However, many of these programs are currently facing cuts or revisions, leading to noticeable effects in farms and nurseries throughout Georgia.
Elisha Williams created her urban farm, which she dubbed “Cardboard Garden,” with the aim of providing sustenance for her nearby neighborhood.
Currently, it’s the growing season. Williams is cultivating broccoli, collard greens, and tomatoes.
She aimed to broaden her horizons with hydroponic farming for all-year-round crop production and secured approval for a grant to buy the required machinery.
“She mentioned that she could cultivate half an acre of lettuce inside a single small building.”
However, right when her equipment arrived, Williams found out that the “climate” grant had been canceled. Additionally, she lost access to another grant aimed at soil health, specifically designed for minority farmers.
Although these programs might appear to focus on minority farmers or underprivileged communities,” Williams stated, “we provide food for everybody.
A recent White House report claimed that $2.3 billion was saved for taxpayers due to cuts in diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across various federal agencies such as the Department of Agriculture.
“We are restructuring the U.S. Department of Agriculture—not with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Not focused on providing grants to San Francisco for transgender and queer farmers. And certainly not centered on examining the menstrual cycles of transgender mice—but rather concentrating on supporting our farmers and ranchers,” stated Brooke Rollins, United States Secretary of Agriculture.
The National Women in Agriculture Association stated that these savings are achieved at a significant price.
numerous of our agriculturists — particularly our female farmers — tend to be small-scale producers,” stated Norreen Whitehead, who heads up the organization’s Georgia branch. “These smaller scale farmers significantly contribute to boosting our local economies.
Whitehead suggests that the economic damages to Georgia’s farming regions might amount to several million dollars.
Williams mentioned her intention to explore additional financing options and expressed hope for the introduction of fresh assistance programs to bridge the remaining gap.
The National Women in Agriculture Association boasts chapters nationwide. Its leaders are requesting a meeting with the president to emphasize the significance of sustaining inclusive agricultural initiatives.