§2279–1. Transparency and accountability for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to ensure compilation and public disclosure of data to assess and hold the Department of Agriculture accountable for the nondiscriminatory participation of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in programs of the Department.
(b) Definition of socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher
In this section, the term "socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher" has the meaning given the term in section 2003(e) of this title.
(c) Compilation of program participation data
(1) Annual requirement
For each county and State in the United States, the Secretary shall compute annually the participation rate of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers as a percentage of the total participation of all farmers and ranchers for each program of the Department of Agriculture established for farmers or ranchers.
(2) Reporting participation
In reporting the rates of participation under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall report the participation rate of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers according to race, ethnicity, and gender.
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