Texas Judge Temporarily Halts USDA’s Minority Farmer Aid Program

A group of White male farmers persuaded a federal court to temporarily block part of the US Department of Agriculture rules aimed at assisting minority and women farmers with disaster relief.

Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk issued the preliminary injunction on June 7, saying the farmers will likely succeed in their Fifth Amendment equal protection lawsuit against the USDA.

Pending resolution of this lawsuit, the government is enjoined under the 2022 emergency relief program from making or increasing payments, or providing any additional relief, based on certain “socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher” designations, the ...