New administration rattles 1890 Scholars Program for ag students

Picture a farmer. Planting a seed, nurturing it with care, ensuring it receives the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients. Over time, this seed grows into a vibrant plant. Its roots deepen and its branches reach for the sky, ready to bear fruit that will nourish the community for generations.

The USDA’s 1890 Scholars Program has acted as that vital soil for students from underserved communities for decades, providing the support and resources needed to cultivate future leaders in agriculture.

But, without warning, a storm strikes. A torch to the field, a fire rushes in from the lightning bolt of strife.

Days ago in Washington, D.C., the United States Department of Agriculture announced the suspension of its 1890 National Scholars Program, an initiative designed for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This scholarship program — which covers full tuition, fees, and other expenses for students pursuing studies in agriculture, food, or natural resource sciences — was suddenly, yet temporarily, put on hold.

The suspension

The suspension was made in conjunction with a broader funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration. Officials stated that the pause was necessary to ensure that federal spending aligns with presidential executive orders, particularly those targeting climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

“The Biden Administration forced illegal and immoral discrimination programs, going by the name ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI), into virtually all aspects of the Federal Government, in areas ranging from airline safety to the military,” the White House Press Office said in a statement.

While the suspension has left many in the academic community questioning its long-term impact, USDA spokespersons have emphasized that current scholarship recipients will not be affected and will continue to receive funding to complete their studies.

Prior to Tuesday, the USDA’s message to applicants and consumers alike was the following: “The 1890 Scholars Program has been suspended pending further review,” the USDA posted on its website. “However, every scholar … regardless of matriculation date, has been retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the (USDA) department.”

But just as swiftly as the storm came, the winds changed. The banner has now shifted.

The USDA backpedaled.

“The USDA 1890s National Scholars Program application period has been reopened, and applications will be accepted through March 15th. Please check this page again for information about upcoming webinars. Apply today!”

This constant back-and-forth has left many wondering about the true direction of the program, questioning whether the initial suspension was ever more than a temporary gust of preemptive action without fully grasping what the department considers “good DEI” or “bad DEI”.

A vital investment in the future

This scholarship program, which has been in place since 1992, is part of the USDA’s ongoing efforts to foster greater diversity within the agricultural workforce. The 1890 Scholars Program is especially significant as it partners with 19 historically Black land-grant institutions established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890, such as Alabama A&M, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, and Tuskegee University. These institutions have historically served as pillars of educational opportunity for African American students, particularly in the agricultural sciences.

The attempted suspension and its subsequent reversal raises serious concerns about the future of diversity within the USDA and the agricultural field more broadly. Advocates for the program are hoping that despite the shifting decisions, they will continue to protect and support students from marginalized communities.

“This isn’t just about funding, it’s about fairness,” Rep. Jonathan Jackson of Illinois stated in a news release. “The 1890 Scholars Program is a direct response to the USDA’s own history of racial discrimination. Killing it now sends a dangerous message that equity and opportunity no longer matter. I’m calling on the USDA to reverse this disgraceful decision immediately and fully reinstate the program, no delays, no excuses.”

These scholarships have been a key tool in supporting a new generation of leaders committed to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture, including food insecurity and the need for sustainable practices. To date, The 1890 Scholarship Program has funded 20% of Black students in the U.S. pursuing agriculture degrees.

“I won’t stand by while this administration tries to erase decades of hard-fought progress,” Jackson added. “The USDA must restore the 1890 Scholars Program now – because every student deserves the chance to succeed, and America’s future depends on it.”

Of what?

In 2024, the USDA allocated $19.2 million for the program, awarding scholarships to 94 students. Many recipients have gone on to become influential voices in agriculture policy, research, and development. Scholars such as Reese Baker, a junior at Southern University A&M in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, highlight the impact of this program. Baker, who grew up in a community affected by limited access to fresh produce, has used her scholarship to pursue a degree in business agriculture, with the aim of addressing food access issues.

“The USDA 1890 Scholars Program gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion for agricultural supply chains, with the security of knowing that I have a future working in an industry that can make a real difference in my community,” said Baker.

Baker’s story is just one example of the program’s impact. Graduates from the 1890 Scholars Program are uniquely positioned to help solve the complex issues surrounding food deserts — areas where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. Through internships with USDA agencies, students gain hands-on experience that positions them as future leaders in agricultural sustainability and policy.

While USDA officials maintain that the suspension is necessary for reviewing the program’s alignment with federal priorities, the timing has raised eyebrows. The funding freeze was implemented under Trump’s administration, which has faced criticism for its stance on DEI initiatives and climate change. Critics argue that suspending a program that has helped so many students from marginalized communities undermines efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the USDA and agriculture as a whole.

So why?

Some members of Congress have expressed their dissatisfaction with the suspension, calling it a setback for students at HBCUs and the broader agricultural sector.

However, USDA officials assert that the review of the program is intended to optimize taxpayer resources and strengthen the department’s ability to serve the agricultural community. Secretary  of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who is overseeing the review, stated that she would work to ensure the program’s efficiency while maintaining its commitment to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“The past four years have been among the most difficult for American Agriculture, due in no small measure to Biden’s disastrous policies of over-regulation, extreme environmental programs, and crippling inflation,” Rollins said in a news release. “Unfortunately, the Biden administration rushed out hundreds of millions of dollars of IRA funding that was supposed to be distributed over eight years. After careful review, it is clear that some of this funding went to programs that had nothing to do with agriculture …”

As the USDA reviews the 1890 National Scholars Program, questions remain about the future of this essential initiative. Many are hopeful that the program will continue to play a key role in cultivating leaders who are committed to tackling food access and agricultural sustainability issues. Yet, the continuous flip-flopping leaves room for doubt.

For now, students currently in the program will continue to receive full funding. However, the long-term fate of the scholarship is uncertain. Will future students continue to benefit from this important program, or will changes to its mission and funding structure reduce its impact? The outcome of the USDA’s review will ultimately shape the future of diversity agricultural education in the U.S.

The 1890 Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship: It’s a critical pathway for cultivating leaders who will address some of the most urgent challenges facing the agricultural sector and the nation’s food systems. As the USDA reviews this program and wavers between suspending and reopening it, it’s crucial to remember the far-reaching implications for students, universities, and communities that depend on this support.

And why did they go back to offering the program?

Was the pause simply a procedural step, or did the outcry and strong support for the program push the USDA to reconsider? Could it be that the USDA saw how integral the program was in developing future agricultural leaders, who can address the sector’s most pressing challenges?

Or, as the department starts to lift off with new leadership, are they saving face and keeping up with good publicity?

Hmm. The flames stoked for now.

Bre Holbert is a past National FFA President and studied agriculture science and education at California State-Chico. “Two ears to listen is better than one mouth to speak. Two ears allow us to affirm more people, rather than letting our mouth loose to damage people’s story by speaking on behalf of others.”