The Farmer Equity Act of 2017 requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure the inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, regulations, and policies and programs, as specified. Existing law defines socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers as members of a socially disadvantaged group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities.

This bill would amend the definition of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to instead mean farmers and ranchers who experiences barriers to agricultural viability due to economic or structural factors, as demonstrated by meeting one or more specified criteria. The bill would also make conforming changes.