By Scout Nelson
A Minnesota agriculture group has joined other organizations in filing a lawsuit against the federal government, challenging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for canceling grants designed to improve fairness in food systems.
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy is one of the key plaintiffs. It says its two-year federal grant was meant to support a community outreach project focused on including voices from underrepresented groups in farm policy. The project was nearly complete when the USDA terminated the grant.
Erin McKee, program director for community food systems at the institute, emphasized the damage caused by the cancellation.
"We feel like this is rolling back a lot of progress towards a fairer food system," McKee asserted.
The grant aimed to include small and mid-sized farmers, conservationists, and food shelf workers in decision-making processes. McKee said the sudden cut prevents these groups from sharing input that could shape future programs.
The USDA stated that the canceled grants had focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but are no longer aligned with their current priorities. However, McKee argued the canceled project still fits the broader goals of the USDA.
"Maximizing and promoting American agriculture, ensuring a safe, nutritious and secure food supply, and enhancing rural prosperity," McKee outlined. "Our program really aligns with those goals."
Other groups involved in the lawsuit include FarmSTAND, Earthjustice, and the Farmers Justice Center. They say the canceled grants, totaling around 15,000 nationwide, were unfairly ended by a federal policy shift.
The legal case highlights growing tensions over how federal funding is allocated in agriculture, particularly regarding support for local food systems and smaller farming operations.
The lawsuit hopes to restore funding and encourage future programs that bring all voices to the table in building a stronger and fairer food system.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy