NRCSFinal Rule

Removal of Unconstitutional Preferences Based on Race and Sex in Response to Court Ruling

AgricultureOther

Summary

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is changing its programs to remove preferences based on race and sex following a court decision. This affects how the agency distributes money, loans, and conservation assistance to farmers and landowners across the country.

Key Points

  • 1The NRCS is ending programs that gave priority or special consideration to applicants based on their race or gender
  • 2This change applies to farm loans, grants, and conservation assistance programs that help landowners protect soil, water, and natural resources
  • 3The regulation was issued in response to court rulings that found such race and sex-based preferences unconstitutional
  • 4Farmers and landowners applying for NRCS assistance will now be evaluated using different criteria that don't consider race or sex as factors
  • 5The change affects how billions of dollars in agricultural support are distributed nationwide

Key Dates

Published

July 10, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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