Georgia female farmers lose grant money under cuts to USDA DEI programs
ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - 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.
Many of those women relied on federal grant programs aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in agriculture. But now, several of those programs are being cut or amended, and the impact is being felt in fields and greenhouses across Georgia.
Elisha Williams designed her urban farm she named “Cardboard Garden” to help feed her local community.
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Right now, it’s the growing season. Williams is growing broccoli, collard greens and tomatoes.
She had hoped to expand into hydroponic farming to grow produce year-round and was approved for a grant to purchase the necessary equipment.
“I can grow half an acre of lettuce in one small building,” she said.
But just as her equipment was delivered, Williams learned that the “climate " grant had been eliminated. She also lost access to a second grant focused on soil health and designated for minority farmers.
“Even though the programs may seem to be geared towards, you know, minority farmers or underserved groups,” Williams said. “We feed everyone.”
A recent White House report touted $2.3 billion in taxpayer savings from reductions in DEI-related initiatives across federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture.
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“We are realigning the U.S. Department of Agriculture — not around diversity equity and inclusion. Not around sending grants to San Francisco for transgender and queer farmers. Not around studying the menstrual cycles of transgender mice — but instead around our farmers and our ranchers,” said Brooke Rollins, United States agriculture secretary.
The National Women in Agriculture Association said those savings come at a steep cost.
“Many of our farmers — our women farmers — are small farmers,” said Norreen Whitehead, who leads the association’s Georgia chapter. “And small farmers really help our economy.”
Whitehead estimates that the financial losses to Georgia’s agricultural communities alone could be in the millions.
Williams said she plans to seek out other funding sources but hopes new programs will be introduced to help fill the gaps.
The National Women in Agriculture Association has chapters across the country. Leaders are calling for a meeting with the president to discuss the importance of maintaining inclusive agricultural programs.
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