America First

President Trump signed the “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing” executive order during his first day in office. The order terminates all federal agencies’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, positions, programs, and performance requirements. In doing so, the federal government must focus on individual performance, skills, and hard work.

Therefore, putting America First means putting the American people and the country’s interests at the forefront. In Mr. Trump’s view, DEI programs harm American workers by creating discrimination in hiring and access to resources. Instead of promoting fair practices, these programs offer preferential treatment based on race, gender, and other identities. He argues that for America to be a true meritocracy, DEI programs cannot exist.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The former President, Joe Biden, established the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, a $2.2 billion United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program for farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in farm lending programs before January 2021.

Mr. Biden believes that DEI programs are essential to addressing the deep-rooted inequities in American society, particularly in the agricultural sector. He argues that these initiatives have been a vital tool for BIPOC farmers in combating systemic racism, gender discrimination, and other historical barriers that have prevented equitable access to land, capital, and resources.

History shows that BIPOC farmers in the U.S. face a long history of exclusion from federal agricultural programs, discriminatory lending practices, and unequal access to government support. DEI proponents believe these programs aim to level the playing field by ensuring BIPOC farmers have equal access to government resources, such as grants, loans, and technical assistance, which are critical for survival and growth in the agricultural industry.

They believe that without federal programs prioritizing equity, farmers would not be able to secure funding, access training, and navigate the complexities of federal agricultural policies. Therefore, dismantling these programs, as proposed by the America First agenda, could jeopardize the progress in achieving greater agriculture fairness.

Reduced Access to Resources

The America First agenda calls for the termination of all DEI-related programs, including positions like Chief Diversity Officers and initiatives focusing on equity in federal agencies. For BIPOC farmers, this means the potential loss of key support systems that help mitigate their historical disadvantages in the agricultural industry.

Without DEI programs, BIPOC farmers could lose access to targeted resources to address their challenges. For example, historically excluded farmers could find it even more challenging to secure loans, grants, and technical assistance necessary for running their farms successfully without equity-based funding programs.

Furthermore, DEI-based training initiatives that teach government agencies and contractors how to work with diverse communities could be scaled back, leaving BIPOC farmers without the guidance and support to navigate federal systems. Removing these programs could perpetuate the inequities that DEI initiatives were designed to correct, making it harder for BIPOC farmers to thrive in an already competitive industry.

More Than Just a Program

Beyond addressing historical inequities, DEI programs are also critical for the long-term sustainability and growth of agriculture in Massachusetts. A more inclusive agricultural system can lead to a broader diversity of perspectives, innovative solutions to challenges, and stronger community ties. By promoting DEI, the agricultural sector can support farmers from various backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are heard and that every farmer has the opportunity to succeed.

For BIPOC farmers, DEI initiatives are not just about access to resources—they are about creating an equitable environment where their contributions are valued, their struggles are acknowledged, and their potential is supported. Removing these programs could send the message that the contributions of BIPOC farmers are less important, exacerbating existing disparities and creating further divisions.