Please use our guide USDA’s Updated Grant Terms: Decision Toolkit alongside this recorded webinar.

USDA has introduced new standardized general terms and conditions for grants and cooperative agreements (referred to as GT&Cs). Some of the updated language related to DEI and gender asks applicants to “certify” compliance with federal civil rights laws. Here, “certify” simply means confirming–honestly and in good faith–that your program follows federal civil rights laws.

Many farmers and organizations are asking: What do these changes actually mean? Can we sign in good faith? Do we need to change our programs or messaging?

This 60-minute webinar offers a plain-language overview of the DEI and gender-related portions of the new terms and introduces a practical toolkit to help you evaluate your situation calmly and confidently. We cover:

• What has changed—and what hasn’t—under federal civil rights law
• What it means to “certify” (confirm) compliance in practical terms
• When targeted outreach or mission language raises questions (and when it doesn’t)
• How to use the toolkit’s decision guides to identify next steps

This session is educational, it does not provide legal advice, and it is designed for farmers, nonprofits, and ag service providers navigating USDA funding decisions in a shifting policy environment. We do not cover other parts of the new USDA general terms and conditions including audit, payment, and foreign ownership provisions.