Equity Commission

Last week, the USDA held the department’s final Equity Commission meeting.   “Our programs are only as good as they do reach people, and that's what this work, this work of equity, which is for everyone is all about,” said Deputy Agriculture Secretary, Xochitl Torres Small.  She noted the work of the...

USDA's Equity Commission presented its 2023 Interim Report to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week.  The 37-page report and its findings are based on the personal experiences and expertise of its members, their collaborative and in-depth review of USDA's programs and practices, and stakeholder input.  Example...

The USDA said it will establish a Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee as a part of its recently launched Equity Commission. “This new subcommittee will be crucial to addressing issues of persistent poverty in rural communities,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We are co ...

Earlier this month, the USDA made its Equity Action Plan available. The plan outlines actions the agency will take to advance equity among its programs to improve access to the programs and services for underserved stakeholders and communities ...

As lawmakers look to crafting the 2023 Farm Bill, the USDA is looking at how it can help in developing the legislation. "We are looking forward to working with congress to ensure that the programs that USDA implements will factor in all people and their challenges facing us today," said USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh ...

Work is underway at the USDA's Equity Commission. "We're not righting the wrongs of the past.  We are simply trying to prevent wrongs in the future," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said opening up the first meeting of USDA's Equity Commission and it's special agricultural subcommittee Monday. ...

The USDA says it will establish an Equity Commission and is looking for nominations for membership on the Commission’s Advisory Committee and Subcommittee on Agriculture. “USDA is committed to advancing equity throughout the Department,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. The Equity Co ...

When asked recently how USDA can rectify and correct discrimination toward Black farmers, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, pointed to steps outlined in the American Rescue Plan. "We talked about debt relief. We've also talked about the billion dollars that could potentially increase outreach, land access and financial marketing ...

The USDA is creating an Equity Commission. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, explains why: "In the 70s, 80s, maybe even the 90s, Black farmers would go in to an FSA office in some states, and they would either not get a loan, or they would get the loan late, very late in the planting season, or they would get a loan with the interest rate that was higher ...

Earlier this week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed their latest efforts to promoted equality among all of the USDA's program, which he stressed are open to all producers. "We'll have an Equity Commission, which will begin the process of investigating all of the programs at the USDA to make sure that we identify and root out any systemic racism that may exist in those programs ...