Analytic Acquisitions announced the opening of a local office to assist eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in applying for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP). Created by Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act, DFAP provides financial assistance for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021.
The Opelousas office opened Monday, Oct. 16, and is staffed with DFAP team members who are prepared to answer questions about the program and help individuals fill out applications. Also on Thursday, Oct. 19, representatives from the Opelousas office will host a workshop event at the Dr. Ben Johnson’s Community Center in Natchitoches, La. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We recognize the value of providing in-person technical support to Louisiana farmers and ranchers who are applying for the USDA’s Discrimination Financial Assistance Program,” said Eric Singleton, Western Region spokesman for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program and Analytic Acquisitions LLC. Our field agents are trained and ready to provide the assistance that eligible applicants deserve. “We wish to keep the farming community’s trust by guiding them through an approachable and transparent application process.”
Local brick-and-mortar offices are being created across the nation to provide convenient access and individualized help to reach as many agricultural producers as possible who may be eligible for the program. The offices are a component of a broader outreach program that gives farmers and ranchers a variety of free assistance choices. Additionally, producers have the option of submitting their applications in person, via mail, or online at 22007apply.gov.
The application period for this program is July 7, 2023, through January 13, 2024. Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are eligible to apply if they encountered discrimination by USDA in its farm loan programs before January 1, 2021, and/or currently hold assigned or assumed USDA farm loan debt that was subject to discrimination prior to January 1, 2021.
Anyone interested in applying or finding out more can visit the office in Opelousas between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday (except for Federal holidays):
USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance Program – Louisiana Office
5367 I-49 S. Service Rd.
Opelousas, LA 70570
In addition to the physical office, application assistance teams are distributing information at community events and via webinars. Information about upcoming events and via webinars can be found here.
The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program website offers an English- and Spanish-language application that can be downloaded or submitted electronically via an e-filing portal. Additionally, the site provides comprehensive information on obtaining in-person or virtual technical assistance, supplementary program resources, and detailed program guidelines. The program also offers a call center, 1-800-721-0970, which is open from 8 a.m. ET to 8 p.m. PT, seven days a week except for Federal holidays—the call center has English and Spanish-speaking agents.
USDA would like to emphasize that there is no charge associated with applying. Applicants are not required to retain an attorney, and USDA and the program administrators neither recommend nor discourage the use of specific attorneys or law firms. Applicants are urged to refer to the program’s fact sheet, available on the official website, for the program timeline and guidance on protecting against potential scams.
To implement the DFAP application process, the USDA has selected Analytic Acquisitions LLC to provide technical assistance and outreach in the western United States, in collaboration with community-based organizations. Other organizations are responsible for outreach in the eastern United States. More information about the program, including the organizations responsible for administration and outreach, can be found at 22007apply.gov.
Read USDA’s Press Release “USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13” here.
For media inquiries in Region-West (Analytic Acquisitions LLC), please contact:
Satchmo Hastings
Analytic Acquisitions LLC
Tel. 862-763-6670
satchmo.hastings@analyticacqusitions.com
Adam Hurlburt
Analytic Acquisitions LLC
508-735-2177
adam.hurlburt@analyticacqusitions.com
Applications may be mailed to:
22007 Application Processing Center
Attn: Analytic Acquisitions
c/o DFAP Region 3
2524 N. Broadway
Suite 338
North Edmond, OK 73034
About Analytic Acquisitions
Analytic Acquisitions LLC is an official vendor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Discrimination Financial Assistance Program in 27 states and territories west of the Mississippi River. Analytic Acquisitions is a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB). Our streamlined management team is responsive and is dedicated to empowering our staff with everything they need to deliver outstanding support to our clients. Analytic Acquisitions supports its clients in the areas of professional and legal services, information technology services, engineering, and facilities and logistics services.
