I 
118TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 1167 
To address the history of discrimination against Black farmers and ranchers, 
to require reforms within the Department of Agriculture to prevent 
future discrimination, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 24, 2023 
Ms. ADAMS (for herself, Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. BLU-
MENAUER, Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Ms. BUSH, Mr. CARSON, Mrs. 
HAYES, Mr. KHANNA, Ms. LEE of California, Ms. NORTON, Ms. 
STANSBURY, and Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition 
to the Committees on Education and the Workforce, Financial Services, 
the Judiciary, and the Budget, for a period to be subsequently deter-
mined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions 
as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To address the history of discrimination against Black farm-
ers and ranchers, to require reforms within the Depart-
ment of Agriculture to prevent future discrimination, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Definitions. 
TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CIVIL RIGHTS 
REFORMS 
Sec. 101. Definitions. 
Sec. 102. Independent Civil Rights Oversight Board. 
Sec. 103. Equity Commission. 
Sec. 104. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights reforms. 
Sec. 105. Data collection and reporting. 
TITLE II—BLACK FARMER LAND GRANTS 
Sec. 201. Definitions. 
Sec. 202. Establishment of the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Equitable 
Land Access and the Equitable Land Access Service. 
Sec. 203. Provision of land grants. 
Sec. 204. Identification of land. 
Sec. 205. Restrictions on conveyed land. 
Sec. 206. Eligibility for assistance. 
Sec. 207. Completion of farmer training program and succession planning. 
Sec. 208. Grants for qualified entities. 
Sec. 209. Farm Conservation Corps. 
Sec. 210. Annual report to Congress. 
TITLE III—FUNDING FOR HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND 
UNIVERSITIES 
Sec. 301. Funding for historically Black colleges and universities. 
Sec. 302. USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. 
TITLE IV—LAND RETENTION AND CREDIT ASSISTANCE 
Sec. 401. Protections for land ownership. 
Sec. 402. Access to credit for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 
Sec. 403. Additional credit assistance. 
Sec. 404. Foreclosure moratorium. 
TITLE V—AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM REFORMS 
Subtitle A—Amendments to Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 
Sec. 501. Definitions. 
Sec. 502. Unlawful practices. 
Sec. 503. Spot market purchases of livestock by packers. 
Sec. 504. Investigation of live poultry dealers. 
Sec. 505. Award of attorney fees. 
Sec. 506. Technical amendments. 
Subtitle B—Local Agriculture Market Program 
Sec. 511. Local Agriculture Market Program. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
Subtitle C—Conservation and Renewable Energy Programs 
Sec. 521. Conservation technical assistance. 
Sec. 522. Conservation Stewardship Program. 
Sec. 523. Rural Energy for America Program. 
Sec. 524. Conservation and renewable energy programs priority. 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of Agriculture. 
(2) SOCIALLY
DISADVANTAGED
FARMER
OR 
RANCHER; SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED GROUP.—The 
terms ‘‘socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher’’ 
and ‘‘socially disadvantaged group’’ have the mean-
ings given such terms in section 2501(a) of the 
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 
1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(a)). 
TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF AGRI-
CULTURE CIVIL RIGHTS RE-
FORMS 
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS. 
In this title: 
(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Assist-
ant Secretary’’ means the Assistant Secretary of Ag-
riculture for Civil Rights. 
(2) BOARD.—The term ‘‘Board’’ means the De-
partment of Agriculture Civil Rights Oversight 
Board established by section 102(a). 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(3) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ 
means the Equity Commission established by section 
103(a)(1). 
(4) OFFICE.—The term ‘‘Office’’ means the Of-
fice of the Assistant Secretary. 
SEC. 102. INDEPENDENT CIVIL RIGHTS OVERSIGHT BOARD. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There is established in the De-
partment of Agriculture an independent board, to be 
known as the ‘‘Department of Agriculture Civil Rights 
Oversight Board’’— 
(1) to oversee the Office; and 
(2) to protect the rights of individuals who seek 
to file, or do file, a discrimination complaint with the 
Office. 
(b) DUTIES.—The Board shall— 
(1)(A) conduct a de novo review with fact find-
ing power, including notice and opportunity for a 
hearing, of any appeal of a decision made by the Of-
fice, including any appeal of a dismissal of a com-
plaint; and 
(B) issue a written decision within 180 days of 
receipt of an appeal or dismissal described in sub-
paragraph (A); 
(2) investigate reports of discrimination within 
the Department of Agriculture, make findings of 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the 
findings, and recommend to the Secretary appro-
priate actions relative to specific findings; 
(3) recommend improvements to Department of 
Agriculture policies and procedures to address pat-
terns and practices of discrimination and to prevent 
further discrimination; 
(4) conduct regular reviews to assess the com-
pliance of the Office with civil rights, fair employ-
ment, and pay equity laws and policies applicable to 
the Office; 
(5) provide oversight over Farm Service Agency 
county committees; 
(6)(A) assess the progress made by the pro-
grams and policies established under this Act and 
the amendments made by this Act; and 
(B) submit recommendations for improvements 
to those programs or policies to the Secretary; and 
(7)(A) prepare an annual report on the status 
of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and 
the treatment of socially disadvantaged farmers and 
ranchers by the Department of Agriculture; 
(B) make each report prepared under subpara-
graph (A) publicly available; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(C) submit each report prepared under sub-
paragraph (A) to the Attorney General. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 
2024 through 2033 such sums as are necessary to carry 
out this section. 
SEC. 103. EQUITY COMMISSION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—There is established in the 
Department of Agriculture the Equity Commission, 
the purposes of which are— 
(A) to study historical and continuing dis-
crimination by the Department of Agriculture 
against Black farmers and ranchers that is fos-
tered or perpetuated by the laws, policies, or 
practices of the Department of Agriculture; and 
(B) to recommend actions to end the sys-
tematic disparities in treatment of Black farm-
ers and ranchers, particularly by the Depart-
ment of Agriculture. 
(2) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(A) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall 
be composed of 9 members, to be appointed by 
the Secretary, of whom— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(i) 3 shall be Black farmers or ranch-
ers with not less than 10 years of experi-
ence in farming or ranching; 
(ii) 3 shall be employees or board 
members of nonprofit organizations that 
have not less than 7 years of experience 
providing meaningful agricultural, business 
assistance, legal assistance, or advocacy 
services to Black farmers or ranchers; and 
(iii) 3 shall be faculty or staff from 
1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 
of the Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 
U.S.C. 7601)) or the University of the Dis-
trict of Columbia. 
(B) DATE.—The appointments of the 
members of the Commission shall be made not 
later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act. 
(3) PERIOD OF APPOINTMENT; VACANCIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—A member of the Com-
mission shall be appointed for the life of the 
Commission. 
(B) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Com-
mission— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(i) shall not affect the powers of the 
Commission; and 
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner 
as the original appointment. 
(4) MEETINGS.— 
(A) INITIAL MEETING.—Not later than 30 
days after the date on which all members of the 
Commission have been appointed, the Commis-
sion shall hold the first meeting of the Commis-
sion. 
(B) FREQUENCY.—The Commission shall 
meet at the call of the Chairperson. 
(C) QUORUM.—A majority of the members 
of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, 
but a lesser number of members may hold hear-
ings. 
(5) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.— 
The Commission shall select a Chairperson and Vice 
Chairperson from among the members of the Com-
mission. 
(b) DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Commission shall study dis-
crimination against Black farmers and ranchers by 
the Department of Agriculture, including by con-
ducting investigations of— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(A) 
the 
prevalence 
of 
discrimination 
against Black farmers and ranchers in Depart-
ment of Agriculture agencies and programs, in-
cluding Farm Service Agency county commit-
tees; and 
(B) the status of claimants who filed for 
relief under the settlement agreement and con-
sent decree in Pigford v. Glickman, 185 F.R.D. 
82 (D.D.C. 1999) or the settlement agreement 
in In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litiga-
tion, Misc. No. 08–mc–0511 (PLF), with a par-
ticular focus on the status of claimants who did 
not receive payments. 
(2) 
RECOMMENDATIONS.—The 
Commission 
shall develop recommendations for— 
(A) ending the systematic disparities in 
treatment of Black farmers and ranchers, par-
ticularly by the Department of Agriculture; 
(B) improving the structure of Farm Serv-
ice Agency county committees to better serve 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, 
including, if necessary, recommending the elimi-
nation and replacement of those committees; 
and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(C) addressing any mishandling of pay-
ments identified through studying the matters 
under paragraph (1)(B). 
(3) OUTREACH.—In studying the matters under 
paragraph (1) and developing recommendations 
under paragraph (2), the Commission shall— 
(A) consult with the Socially Disadvan-
taged Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research 
Center; and 
(B) hold town hall meetings with socially 
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, research-
ers, and civil rights advocates. 
(4) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall 
make publicly available a detailed report that de-
scribes— 
(A) the findings of the study under para-
graph (1); and 
(B) the recommendations developed under 
paragraph (2). 
(c) POWERS OF COMMISSION.— 
(1) HEARINGS.—The Commission shall hold 
open, televised, and public hearings, during which 
the Commission may sit and act at such times and 
places, take such testimony, and receive such evi-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
dence as the Commission considers advisable to 
carry out this section. 
(2) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may 
secure directly from a Federal department or 
agency such information as the Commission 
considers necessary to carry out this section. 
(B) FURNISHING
INFORMATION.—On re-
quest of the Chairperson of the Commission, 
the head of the department or agency shall fur-
nish the information to the Commission. 
(3) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission may 
use the United States mails in the same manner and 
under the same conditions as other departments and 
agencies of the Federal Government. 
(4) GIFTS.—The Commission may accept, use, 
and dispose of gifts or donations of services or prop-
erty. 
(d) COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.— 
(1) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.—A member 
of the Commission who is not an officer or employee 
of the Federal Government shall be compensated at 
a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual 
rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Exec-
utive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
States Code, for each day (including travel time) 
during which the member is engaged in the perform-
ance of the duties of the Commission. 
(2) TRAVEL
EXPENSES.—A member of the 
Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, includ-
ing per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates author-
ized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of 
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while 
away from their homes or regular places of business 
in the performance of services for the Commission. 
(3) STAFF.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Chairperson of the 
Commission may, without regard to the civil 
service laws (including regulations), appoint 
and terminate an executive director and such 
other additional personnel as may be necessary 
to enable the Commission to perform its duties, 
except that the employment of an executive di-
rector shall be subject to confirmation by the 
Commission. 
(B) COMPENSATION.—The Chairperson of 
the Commission may fix the compensation of 
the executive director and other personnel with-
out regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of 
chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relat-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
ing to classification of positions and General 
Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay 
for the executive director and other personnel 
may not exceed the rate payable for level V of 
the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of 
that title. 
(4) DETAIL OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.—A 
Federal Government employee may be detailed to 
the Commission without reimbursement, and such 
detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil 
service status or privilege. 
(5) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTER-
MITTENT SERVICES.—The Chairperson of the Com-
mission may procure temporary and intermittent 
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United 
States Code, at rates for individuals that do not ex-
ceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic 
pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule 
under section 5316 of that title. 
(e) TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.—The Commis-
sion shall terminate on the date that is 30 days after the 
date on which the Commission makes publicly available 
the report under subsection (b)(4). 
(f) AUTHORIZATION
OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There 
are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
2024 through 2033 such sums as are necessary to carry 
out this section. 
SEC. 104. OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR 
CIVIL RIGHTS REFORMS. 
(a) OMBUDSMAN.—The Secretary shall establish in 
the Department of Agriculture a position of Civil Rights 
Ombudsman— 
(1) to assist individuals in navigating Office 
programs; and 
(2) to provide recommendations to the Sec-
retary for grants provided under subsection (g). 
(b) DEADLINE FOR DECISIONS.—Not later than 180 
days after the date on which the Office receives a civil 
rights complaint, the Assistant Secretary shall make a 
final decision of the Assistant Secretary regarding the 
merit of the complaint and the appropriate disposition of 
the matter. 
(c) APPEALS TO BOARD.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—A person that receives an 
adverse decision or dismissal by the Office on a civil 
rights complaint filed by the person may appeal the 
decision or dismissal to the Board for a final deci-
sion. 
(2) DEADLINE.—An appeal under paragraph 
(1) shall be filed not later than 1 year after the date 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
of the adverse decision or dismissal described in that 
paragraph. 
(3) EFFECT OF BOARD DECISION.—A decision 
of the Board on an appeal filed under paragraph 
(1), or a dismissal of such an appeal for lack of ju-
risdiction, shall constitute exhaustion of administra-
tive remedies and be reviewable in Federal court. 
(d) MORATORIUM
ON FORECLOSURES.—The Sec-
retary shall not take any action on a foreclosure pro-
ceeding against any farmer or rancher during any period 
that a civil rights complaint filed by the farmer or rancher 
with the Office is outstanding, including an appeal to the 
Board under subsection (c)(1). 
(e) REPORTS.—The Assistant Secretary shall— 
(1) publish on the website of the Office and 
submit to the Board a report of each civil rights 
complaint filed with the Office and the results of 
each such complaint; and 
(2) include in each report described in para-
graph (1) a description of the race, ethnicity, gen-
der, and geographic region of the complainant. 
(f) PROHIBITION ON INTERFERENCE BY THE OFFICE 
OF
THE GENERAL COUNSEL.—The Office of General 
Counsel of the Department of Agriculture shall not have 
any involvement with the investigation, adjudication, or 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
resolution of any civil rights complaint brought against the 
Secretary. 
(g) GRANTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, based on rec-
ommendations from the Civil Rights Ombudsman, 
shall provide grants to community-based organiza-
tions and advocates with a history of working with 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to pro-
vide technical assistance to farmers and ranchers 
seeking to file a civil rights complaint with the Of-
fice. 
(2) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be ap-
propriated, and there is appropriated, out of 
amounts in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, 
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
2033 to carry out this subsection. 
(h) DIRECT REPORTING TO THE SECRETARY OF AG-
RICULTURE.—Section 218(c) of the Department of Agri-
culture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6918(c)) is 
amended— 
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘DU-
TIES OF’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through 
(3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, 
and indenting appropriately; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(3) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) 
(as so redesignated), by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘(1) DUTIES.—The Secretary’’; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(2) 
DIRECT
REPORTING
TO
THE
SEC-
RETARY.—If the Secretary establishes the position 
of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights under sub-
section (a)(3), the Assistant Secretary for Civil 
Rights shall report directly to the Secretary.’’. 
(i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In addi-
tion to amounts made available under subsection (g)(2), 
there are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal 
years 2024 through 2033 such sums as are necessary to 
carry out this section and the amendments made by this 
section. 
SEC. 105. DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall make publicly 
available annual reports describing data on the recipients 
of Department of Agriculture assistance, including assist-
ance from farm subsidy programs, and the amounts of the 
assistance, delineated by the race, ethnicity, and gender 
of the recipients. 
(b) ERS RESEARCH OF SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED 
FARMERS
AND
RANCHERS.—The 
Secretary, 
acting 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
through the Administrator of the Economic Research 
Service, shall conduct research on the status of socially 
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including— 
(1) the share of land ownership of those socially 
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers as compared to 
all farmers and ranchers, delineated by the race, 
ethnicity, and gender of the landowners; 
(2) the share of the amount of assistance those 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers receive 
from the Department of Agriculture as compared to 
all farmers and ranchers, delineated by the race, 
ethnicity, and gender of the recipients; 
(3) the share, status, and receipt of Farm Cred-
it System loans by socially disadvantaged farmers 
and ranchers as compared to all farmers and ranch-
ers, delineated by the race, ethnicity, and gender of 
the recipients; and 
(4) an assessment of the reasons for disparities 
in land ownership, assistance from the Department 
of Agriculture, and Farm Credit System loans for 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers com-
pared to all farmers and ranchers. 
(c) ERS RESEARCH OF FARMWORKERS.—The Sec-
retary, acting through the Administrator of the Economic 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
Research Service, shall conduct research on the demo-
graphics and status of farmworkers, including— 
(1) the races, ethnicities, ages, localities, wages 
and benefits, and working conditions of farm-
workers; 
(2) the economic contributions of farmworkers 
to the United States economy; and 
(3) satisfaction of farmworkers with their em-
ployment. 
(d) CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE.—The Secretary, act-
ing through the Administrator of the National Agricul-
tural Statistics Service, shall— 
(1) investigate historical changes in reporting 
methodology and misreporting of Black farmers and 
ranchers in the census of agriculture; 
(2) develop procedures to ensure that census of 
agriculture surveys accurately capture the status of 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers engaged 
in urban agriculture; and 
(3) conduct, concurrently with each census of 
agriculture, a review to assess— 
(A) the outreach and methodologies used 
in conducting the census of agriculture; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(B) how such outreach and methodologies 
have affected the counting of socially disadvan-
taged farmers and ranchers. 
(e) CORPORATE OWNERSHIP OF FARMLAND.—The 
Secretary shall annually conduct, and annually make pub-
licly available reports describing, in-depth research and 
analysis of corporate (domestic and foreign) land invest-
ment and ownership in the United States, with specific 
attention given to the impact of corporate land investment 
and ownership on— 
(1) land consolidation trends in the United 
States; 
(2) challenges and opportunities for new and 
beginning farmers and ranchers accessing land for 
farming or ranching; 
(3) challenges and opportunities for members of 
socially disadvantaged groups accessing land for 
farming or ranching; and 
(4) crop selection and production trends. 
(f) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated, and there is appropriated, out of amounts in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2024 through 2033 to carry out this 
section. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
TITLE II—BLACK FARMER LAND 
GRANTS 
SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS. 
In this title: 
(1) ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATION.—The term 
‘‘animal feeding operation’’ means a lot or facility at 
which— 
(A) for not less than a total of 45 days in 
any 12-month period, animals (other than 
aquatic animals) are— 
(i) stabled or confined; and 
(ii) fed or maintained; and 
(B) crops, vegetation, forage growth, or 
postharvest residues are not sustained in the 
normal growing season over any portion of the 
lot or facility. 
(2) ELIGIBLE BLACK INDIVIDUAL.—The term 
‘‘eligible Black individual’’ means a person who— 
(A) was born in the United States; 
(B) is at least 21 years of age; 
(C) has previously identified as Black or 
African American; and 
(D) has at least 1 parent of African ances-
try. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(3) FARMER
TRAINING.—The term ‘‘farmer 
training’’ means a program that— 
(A) provides eligible Black individuals and 
other enrollees with the basic skills to operate 
a farm or ranch profitably with a primary focus 
on regenerating the soil, ecosystem, and local 
community; 
(B) provides a course of study that is 
equivalent to not less than 30 academic credit 
hours of study, which may be provided as direct 
in-field instruction; 
(C) is approved by the Under Secretary of 
the Equitable Land Access Service as an au-
thorized program to meet the farmer training 
program requirement under section 207(a) for 
recipients 
of 
land 
grants 
under 
section 
203(a)(2); 
(D) focuses training on low-capital-inten-
sive techniques and technologies; and 
(E) includes a robust study of local and re-
gional food systems and the market opportuni-
ties those systems present. 
(4) QUALIFIED ENTITY.—The term ‘‘qualified 
entity’’ means— 
(A) an organization— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(i)(I) described in section 501(c)(3) of 
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and ex-
empt from taxation under 501(a) of that 
Code; or 
(II) that has a fiscal sponsor that is 
an organization described in subclause (I); 
(ii) that has not less than 3 years of 
experience providing meaningful agricul-
tural, business assistance, legal assistance, 
or advocacy services to Black farmers or 
ranchers; and 
(iii) at least 50 percent of the mem-
bers of the board of directors of which are 
Black; and 
(B) an 1890 Institution (as defined in sec-
tion 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, 
and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 
7601)), including the University of the District 
of Columbia. 
(5) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary 
of Agriculture for Equitable Land Access. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF 
AGRICULTURE FOR EQUITABLE LAND AC-
CESS AND THE EQUITABLE LAND ACCESS 
SERVICE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Department of Agri-
culture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901 et 
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘Subtitle L—Equitable Land Access 
‘‘SEC. 297. UNDER SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR EQUI-
TABLE LAND ACCESS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall establish in 
the Department the position of Under Secretary of Agri-
culture for Equitable Land Access. 
‘‘(b) CONFIRMATION REQUIRED.—The Under Sec-
retary of Agriculture for Equitable Land Access shall be 
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Senate. 
‘‘(c) FUNCTIONS.—The Secretary shall delegate to 
the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Equitable Land 
Access the functions of the Department carried out 
through the Equitable Land Access Service. 
‘‘SEC. 297A. EQUITABLE LAND ACCESS SERVICE. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the 
Department the Equitable Land Access Service. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
‘‘(b) UNDER SECRETARY.—The Equitable Land Ac-
cess Service shall be headed by the Under Secretary of 
Agriculture for Equitable Land Access. 
‘‘(c) FUNCTIONS.—The Secretary shall carry out 
through the Equitable Land Access Service title II of the 
Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023.’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— 
(1) Subtitle A of the Department of Agriculture 
Reorganization Act of 1994 is amended by redesig-
nating section 225 (7 U.S.C. 6925) as section 224A. 
(2) Section 296(b) of the Department of Agri-
culture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
7014(b)) is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(11) The authority of the Secretary to carry 
out the amendments made to this Act by the Justice 
for Black Farmers Act of 2023.’’. 
(3) Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing 
and Regulatory Programs the following: 
‘‘Under Secretary of Agriculture for Equitable 
Land Access.’’. 
SEC. 203. PROVISION OF LAND GRANTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(1) purchase from willing sellers, at a price not 
greater than fair market value, available agricultural 
land in the United States; and 
(2) subject to section 205, convey grants of that 
land to eligible Black individuals at no cost to the 
eligible Black individuals. 
(b) REQUIREMENT.—To the maximum extent prac-
ticable, if sufficient applications are submitted by eligible 
Black individuals, the Secretary shall convey not less than 
20,000 land grants to eligible Black individuals under sub-
section (a)(2) for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2032. 
(c) MAXIMUM ACREAGE.—A land grant to an eligible 
Black individual under subsection (a)(2) shall be not more 
than 160 acres. 
(d) APPLICATIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—An eligible Black individual 
seeking a land grant under subsection (a)(2) shall 
submit to the Secretary an application at such time, 
in such manner, and containing such information as 
the Secretary may require, including a legal descrip-
tion of the land identified under section 204 of 
which the eligible Black individual is seeking the 
grant. 
(2) QUALIFIED ENTITIES.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(A) IN GENERAL.—A qualified entity that 
receives a grant under section 208 may submit 
to the Secretary an application under para-
graph (1) on behalf of 1 or more eligible Black 
individuals seeking a land grant under sub-
section (a)(2). 
(B) APPLICATIONS
TO
SUBDIVIDE
AND 
CONVEY.—If applicable, an application sub-
mitted under subparagraph (A) shall include a 
proposal for how the land will be subdivided 
and conveyed separately to eligible Black indi-
viduals as described in section 204(b). 
(e) PRIORITY.—The Secretary shall give priority to 
applications submitted under subsection (c) for land 
grants to— 
(1) eligible Black individuals who are currently 
farmers or ranchers; 
(2) eligible Black individuals with a family his-
tory of land dispossession; 
(3) eligible Black individuals with experience in 
agriculture, including experience obtained through 
participation in the Farm Conservation Corps estab-
lished under section 209; and 
(4) eligible Black individuals who are veterans. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(f) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated, and there is appropriated, out of amounts in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $8,000,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2024 through 2033 to carry out this 
section. 
SEC. 204. IDENTIFICATION OF LAND. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall refer an eligi-
ble Black individual seeking a land grant under section 
203 to a qualified entity that receives a grant under sec-
tion 208 to assist the eligible Black individual in identi-
fying available agricultural land in the United States that 
is suitable for purchase by the Secretary and conveyance 
to the eligible Black individual under section 203. 
(b) SUBDIVISIONS.—In carrying out subsection (a), 
a qualified entity may assist eligible Black individuals in 
identifying land described in that subsection that is suit-
able to be subdivided and conveyed separately to multiple 
eligible Black individuals under section 203. 
SEC. 205. RESTRICTIONS ON CONVEYED LAND. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Before conveying a land grant 
under section 203(a)(2), the Secretary shall attach to the 
land an easement requiring that the land be— 
(1) restricted in perpetuity for agricultural use, 
but with an allowance for constructing or improving 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
and maintaining 1 primary residence and housing 
for farmworkers on the land; and 
(2) subject in perpetuity to the conservation re-
quirements that— 
(A) an animal feeding operation may not 
be operated on the land, with the exception that 
an animal feeding operation with fewer than 
299 animal units may be operated during times 
of the year that outdoor access is not possible 
due to weather conditions; and 
(B) the land shall be subject to applicable 
highly erodible land and wetland conservation 
requirements in effect on the date of enactment 
of this Act under subtitles B and C of title XII 
of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 
3811 et seq.). 
(b) RIGHT OF REENTRY.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—A deed conveying a land 
grant under section 203(a)(2) shall include a right 
of reentry for the Secretary if the Secretary— 
(A) determines, after giving notice and a 
reasonable opportunity for a hearing, that a re-
quirement described in subsection (a) of an 
easement attached to that land has been vio-
lated; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(B) determines that the violation has not 
been remedied within 60 days after the date of 
the determination under subparagraph (A). 
(2) EXPIRATION.—The right of reentry de-
scribed in paragraph (1) shall expire on the date 
that is 5 years after the date of conveyance. 
(c) RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning on the day after 
the expiration date described in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) the recipient of the land grant may sell 
the land; but 
(B) the Secretary shall have a right of first 
refusal to purchase the land at the appraised 
value of the land. 
(2) DELEGATION.—The Secretary may, on a 
case-by-case basis, delegate the right of first refusal 
under paragraph (1)(B) to a qualified entity that re-
quests the delegation. 
(d) REQUIREMENT.—If the Secretary purchases land 
under subsection (c)(1)(B), the Secretary shall convey the 
land to another eligible Black individual under section 
203(a)(2). 
SEC. 206. ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE. 
(a) FARM OPERATING LOANS.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(1) ELIGIBLE BLACK INDIVIDUALS.—Beginning 
on the date of conveyance of a land grant under sec-
tion 203(a)(2), the eligible Black individual that re-
ceives the land grant shall be eligible for a direct op-
erating loan under subtitle B of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941 
et seq.), notwithstanding any borrower eligibility re-
quirements under subparagraph (B) or (D) of sec-
tion 311(a)(1) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 1941(a)(1)) for 
such a loan. 
(2) SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND 
RANCHERS.—During the 5-year period beginning on 
the date of enactment of this Act, any socially dis-
advantaged farmer or rancher shall be eligible for a 
direct operating loan under subtitle B of the Con-
solidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1941 et seq.), notwithstanding any borrower 
eligibility requirements under subparagraph (B) or 
(D) of section 311(a)(1) of that Act (7 U.S.C. 
1941(a)(1)) for such a loan. 
(3) INTEREST AND DEFERMENT.—In the case 
of an operating loan under paragraph (1) or (2)— 
(A) the interest rate shall be zero percent 
for the first 7 years of the term of the loan; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture shall defer 
payments for the first 24 months. 
(b) SINGLE FAMILY HOME MORTGAGES.—Beginning 
on the date of conveyance of a land grant under section 
203(a)(2), the eligible Black individual that receives the 
land grant shall be eligible for a direct loan under section 
502 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1472), not-
withstanding any borrower eligibility requirements for 
such a loan, for the construction or improvement of a sin-
gle family home on the conveyed land. 
(c) FUNDING.—There are authorized to be appro-
priated such sums as are necessary to carry out this sec-
tion for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2033. 
SEC. 207. COMPLETION OF FARMER TRAINING PROGRAM 
AND SUCCESSION PLANNING. 
(a) REQUIRED TRAINING.—As a condition on the re-
ceipt of a land grant under section 203(a)(2), any recipi-
ent who does not have at least 2 years of prior experience 
in agriculture shall be required to complete, at no cost, 
a farmer training program established pursuant to section 
208(a)(4). 
(b) OPTIONAL TRAINING.—Any eligible Black indi-
vidual who has at least 2 years of prior experience in agri-
culture, and any socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
may complete, at no cost, a farmer training program es-
tablished pursuant to section 208(a)(4). 
(c) SUCCESSION PLANNING.—As a condition on the 
receipt of a land grant under section 203(a)(2), each re-
cipient shall collaborate with a qualified entity to develop 
a succession plan. 
SEC. 208. GRANTS FOR QUALIFIED ENTITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall establish a 
program to provide grants to qualified entities to use as 
operating amounts— 
(1) to support eligible Black individuals in iden-
tifying land under section 204, including developing 
proposals for how land may be subdivided as de-
scribed in subsection (b) of that section; 
(2) to support eligible Black individuals in ac-
quiring that land through a land grant under section 
203(a)(2), including by submitting applications on 
behalf of eligible Black individuals under section 
203(d)(2); 
(3) to support eligible Black individuals in 
starting up farm operations on that land; 
(4) to provide eligible Black individuals and so-
cially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers with 
farmer training; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(5) to provide other assistance, including legal 
advocacy, succession planning, and support for the 
development of farmer cooperatives, to eligible Black 
individuals and other Black farmers and ranchers. 
(b) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated, and there is appropriated, out of amounts in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,000,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2024 through 2033 to carry out this 
section. 
SEC. 209. FARM CONSERVATION CORPS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall establish a ci-
vilian conservation corps, to be known as the ‘‘Farm Con-
servation Corps’’ to provide young adults ages 18 to 29 
from socially disadvantaged groups with the academic, vo-
cational, and social skills necessary to pursue long-term, 
productive careers in farming and ranching. 
(b) REQUIREMENT.—To the maximum extent prac-
ticable, the Secretary shall enroll not fewer than 20,000 
young adults in the Farm Conservation Corps pursuant 
to subsection (a) in each of fiscal years 2024 through 
2033. 
(c) FARMWORKER SERVICES.—Members of the Farm 
Conservation Corps shall serve as on-farm apprentices, at 
no cost, to— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(1) socially disadvantaged farmers and ranch-
ers, the annual gross farm income of whom is less 
than $250,000; 
(2) beginning farmers and ranchers, the annual 
gross farm income of whom is less than $250,000; 
and 
(3) farmers and ranchers operating certified or-
ganic farms (as defined in section 2103 of the Or-
ganic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 
6502)), the annual gross farm income of whom is 
less than $250,000. 
(d) DURATION OF PARTICIPATION.—An individual 
shall serve in the Farm Conservation Corps for not more 
than 2 years. 
(e) HOUSING AND CARE.—The Secretary shall pro-
vide to each member of the Farm Conservation Corps, for 
the duration of the participation— 
(1) housing, subsistence, clothing, medical at-
tention (including hospitalization), and transpor-
tation; or 
(2) a cash allowance sufficient for the applica-
ble locality to cover costs described in paragraph (1). 
(f) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Farm Con-
servation Corps shall be paid for their services as a farm-
worker at a rate consistent with the minimum wage appli-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
cable 
to 
a 
nonimmigrant 
described 
in 
section 
101(a)(15)(H)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)) for services as a farm-
worker in the applicable locality. 
(g) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated, and there is appropriated, out of amounts in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,000,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2024 through 2034 to carry out this 
section. 
SEC. 210. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS. 
The Secretary shall submit to Congress and make 
publicly available annual reports describing data on land 
grants under this title, including— 
(1) the number of land grants; 
(2) the recipients of land grants; 
(3) the total number of acres of land granted; 
(4) the number of acres of land granted by 
county; and 
(5) the types of new farming or ranching oper-
ations established on the granted land. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
TITLE III—FUNDING FOR HIS-
TORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES 
AND UNIVERSITIES 
SEC. 301. FUNDING FOR HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES 
AND UNIVERSITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated, and there is appropriated, out of amounts in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $500,000,000 for 
fiscal year 2023 and each of the succeeding 9 fiscal years 
for the Secretary of Education to provide funding to part 
B institutions (as defined in section 322 of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061)). 
(b) USE OF FUNDING.—The funding provided by 
subsection (a) shall be used by part B institutions de-
scribed in that subsection— 
(1)(A) to commence new courses of study and 
expand existing courses of study focused on careers 
in agriculture, agriculture-related fields, or other re-
lated disciplines; and 
(B) to recruit students for those courses of 
study; and 
(2) to commence research to further the study 
of— 
(A) regenerative agricultural practices; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(B) market opportunities for socially dis-
advantaged farmers and ranchers. 
SEC. 302. USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM. 
The National Agricultural Research, Extension, and 
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 is amended by inserting after 
section 1446 (7 U.S.C. 3222a) the following: 
‘‘SEC. 1446A. USDA/1890 NATIONAL SCHOLARS PROGRAM. 
‘‘(a) DEFINITION OF PROGRAM.—In this section, the 
term ‘program’ means the USDA/1890 National Scholars 
Program established by the Secretary. 
‘‘(b) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary shall continue 
to carry out the program. 
‘‘(c) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated, and there is appropriated, out of amounts in the 
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $20,000,000 for 
each fiscal year to carry out the program.’’. 
TITLE IV—LAND RETENTION 
AND CREDIT ASSISTANCE 
SEC. 401. PROTECTIONS FOR LAND OWNERSHIP. 
(a) RELENDING PROGRAM TO RESOLVE OWNERSHIP 
AND SUCCESSION ON FARMLAND.—Section 310I(g) of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 
1936c(g)) is amended by striking ‘‘through 2023’’ and in-
serting ‘‘and 2020 and $50,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2023 through 2025’’. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(b) REPORTS
ON LAND ACCESS
AND FARMLAND 
OWNERSHIP DATA COLLECTION.—Section 12607(c) of 
the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. 
2204i(c)) is amended by striking ‘‘$3,000,000 for each fis-
cal years 2019 through 2023’’ and inserting ‘‘$10,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2025’’. 
(c) FAMILY FARMER INCOME.—Section 101(18)(A) 
of title 11, United States Code, is amended, in the matter 
preceding clause (i), by striking ‘‘50 percent’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘30 percent’’. 
SEC. 402. ACCESS TO CREDIT FOR SOCIALLY DISADVAN-
TAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS. 
(a) NATIONAL SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMER 
AND RANCHER BANK.— 
(1) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection— 
(A) the term ‘‘Bank’’ means the National 
Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and Rancher 
Bank established under paragraph (2); 
(B) the term ‘‘community development fi-
nancial institution’’ has the meaning given the 
term in section 103 of the Community Develop-
ment Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 
1994 (12 U.S.C. 4702); and 
(C) the term ‘‘eligible entity’’ means— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(i) a credit union, mutual savings 
bank, or mutual savings and loan associa-
tion— 
(I) that— 
(aa) is operated on a cooper-
ative, not-for-profit basis; and 
(bb) provides financial serv-
ices or facilities for the benefit 
of— 
(AA) the members of 
the entity; or 
(BB) 
voting 
stock-
holders who are the ultimate 
recipients of those financial 
services or facilities; and 
(II) not less than 60 percent of 
the members or voting stockholders of 
which 
are 
socially 
disadvantaged 
farmers or ranchers; or 
(ii) a not-for-profit community devel-
opment financial institution, if not less 
than 75 percent of the total dollar value of 
the loans made by the institution consist of 
loans made to socially disadvantaged farm-
ers or ranchers. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF BANK.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Congress hereby cre-
ates and charters a bank to be known as the 
National Socially Disadvantaged Farmer and 
Rancher Bank, the sole mission of which shall 
be to provide financing and other assistance in 
accordance with the requirements of this sub-
section. 
(B) BOARD OF DIRECTORS.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—The Bank shall be 
governed by a Board of Directors— 
(I) which shall consist of 13 
members; and 
(II) each member of which shall 
be appointed by the President, by and 
with the advice and consent of the 
Senate. 
(ii) TERM.—Each member of the 
Board of Directors of the Bank shall serve 
for a term of 3 years. 
(3) LENDING AUTHORITY.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Bank may make 
loans and loan guarantees to eligible entities. 
(B) TERMS.—With respect to a loan made 
by the Bank to an eligible entity— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00041
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(i) the term of the loan shall be 30 
years; 
(ii) the interest rate with respect to 
the loan shall be the interest rate on 30- 
year Treasury bonds, as of the date on 
which the loan is made; and 
(iii) before the end of the term de-
scribed in clause (i), the eligible entity— 
(I) shall not be required to make 
any principal payments with respect 
to the loan; and 
(II) shall make interest payments 
with respect to the loan. 
(C) CONDITION OF FINANCING FOR CER-
TAIN ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—With respect to a 
loan or loan guarantee made under this para-
graph to an eligible entity described in para-
graph (1)(C)(ii), the Bank, as a condition of 
the financing, shall require the eligible entity to 
ensure that, for the full term of the loan or loan 
guarantee made by the Bank, not less than 75 
percent of the total dollar value of the loans 
made by the eligible entity consist of loans 
made to socially disadvantaged farmers or 
ranchers. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00042
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(4) GRANT PROGRAM.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Bank shall estab-
lish a program through which the Bank may 
make a grant to assist— 
(i) an entity in becoming an eligible 
entity; or 
(ii) an eligible entity with the com-
mencement or expansion of operations of 
the eligible entity, including with respect to 
outreach, education, and training activities. 
(B) GRANT AMOUNT.—The amount of a 
grant made under the program established 
under subparagraph (A) shall be not more than 
$3,000,000. 
(C) FIRST AWARD.—The first grant made 
by the Bank under the program established 
under subparagraph (A) shall be to an entity, 
not less than 60 percent of the members or 
stockholders of which are Black farmers or 
ranchers. 
(5) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Bank shall 
establish a program to provide technical assistance 
to eligible entities, including assistance in obtain-
ing— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00043
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
(A) approval from the National Credit 
Union Administration Board under section 104 
of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C. 
1754); and 
(B) certification from the Community De-
velopment Financial Institutions Fund estab-
lished under section 104(a) of the Community 
Development Banking and Financial Institu-
tions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.). 
(6) FUNDING.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—There are appropriated 
to the Bank, out of any amounts in the Treas-
ury not otherwise appropriated, $1,000,000,000 
to carry out this subsection— 
(i) which shall remain available until 
expended; and 
(ii) of which— 
(I) not less than $50,000,000 
shall be used to make grants under 
the program established under para-
graph (4); and 
(II) not less than $50,000,000 
shall be used to provide technical as-
sistance under paragraph (5). 
(B) EMERGENCY DESIGNATION.— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00044
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS
‘‘(b) GENERAL RULE.—Of the quantity of livestock 
that is slaughtered by a covered packer during each re-
porting day in each plant, the covered packer shall slaugh-
ter not less than the applicable percentage specified in 
subsection (c) of the quantity through spot market sales 
from nonaffiliated producers. 
‘‘(c) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGES.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the applicable percentage shall be 50 per-
cent. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTIONS.—In the case of a covered 
packer that reported to the Secretary in the 2018 
annual report that more than 60 percent of the live-
stock of the covered packer were committed procure-
ment livestock, the applicable percentage shall be the 
greater of— 
‘‘(A) the difference between the percentage 
of committed procurement so reported and 100 
percent; and 
‘‘(B)(i) during calendar year 2024, 20 per-
cent; 
‘‘(ii) during each of calendar years 2025 
and 2026, 30 percent; and 
‘‘(iii) during calendar year 2027 and each 
calendar year thereafter, 50 percent. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
00:38 Mar 14, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00068
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H1167.IH
H1167
kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS