Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act
Summary
The "Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act" aims to increase market access for Black farmers and other socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. It establishes food hub grants, prioritizes purchases from these farmers for USDA domestic food assistance programs, and introduces an agriculture hub credit. The act also focuses on civil rights accountability within the USDA and provides equitable relief and an ombudsperson for civil rights issues.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased funding and resources for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, potentially boosting their market share and economic viability. It also aims to improve civil rights oversight and accountability within the USDA. The act could incentivize the purchase of agricultural products from these farmers through tax credits and prioritized USDA programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
- Support for new and expanding food hubs.
- Prioritized purchases from these farmers for USDA programs.
- Tax credits for purchasing from these food hubs.
- Enhanced civil rights accountability within the USDA.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending and debt.
- Possible inefficiencies in prioritizing purchases based on social disadvantage rather than market competitiveness.
- Complexity in implementing and managing the new programs and credits.
- Risk of fraud or abuse in the grant and certification processes.
- Potential for unintended consequences or market distortions due to preferential treatment.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by aiming to improve the economic conditions of a specific group of farmers. The equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment could be relevant, as the bill targets specific racial and social groups. However, the bill aims to address historical discrimination, which could be seen as a permissible use of race-conscious measures to remedy past inequities.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).