Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher

The term “Socially Disadvantaged” means an

• Individual or entity who is a member of a socially disadvantaged group. A socially disadvantaged group is a group whose members have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

• Socially disadvantaged groups consist of the following:

American Indians or Alaskan Natives

Asians

Blacks or African Americans

Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders

Hispanics.

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For an entity, at least 50 percent ownership in the farm business must be held by socially disadvantaged individuals

Note: Gender alone is not a covered group for the purposes of NRCS conservation program authorities. The term entities reflect a broad interpretation to include partnerships, couples, legal entities, etc.