What Is Socially Disadvantaged?
A portion of SFA loan funding is dedicated each year to helping socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. In this context, “socially disadvantaged” has a specific definition. According to the Farm Services Agency, “a socially disadvantaged (SDA) farmer, rancher or agricultural producer is one of a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of his or her identity as a member of the group without regard to his or her individual qualities.” Specific groups considered to be socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers include: women, African Americans, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. You are required to be in one of these groups to participate in the FSA socially disadvantaged program. Loan Requirements If you qualify as a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, the loan you want must also qualify and be for one of a few specific purposes. The loan can be for direct farm ownership,
