USDA Seeking Public Comments On Racial Justice Efforts

USDA has published a Federal Register Notice, seeking public input regarding efforts to advance racial justice and equity.

"We obviously are dealing with a circumstance where gaps have grown between socially disadvantaged producers and other producers in this country and also gaps that have grown in terms of communities," said Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack. He noted equity as one of USDA's major challenges.

"The challenge of this department is to try to begin to close the gap by addressing the inequities that have existed. That's why you'll see efforts in our Rural Development area strike force and why we are look at ways in which we can increase, for example, resources to historic Black colleges and other minority-serving institutions."

Vilsack said USDA will use information gained through this notice and public listening sessions to help identify barriers that people of color and under-served communities  have in accessing USDA programs. The comment period ends July 15th.

Click Here to share your thoughts with USDA.

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