Press Release
☷USDA Convenes Inaugural National Equity Summit Equity Commission Delivers Final Report
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Feb 23,2024
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Today , the U . S . Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) hosted its first - ever National Equity Summit to celebrate the work of the USDA Equity Commission and reaffirm the progress made under the Biden - Harris Administration in improving access and inclusion in USDA programs and services . During the Summit , the Equity Commission presented its Final Report to the Agriculture Secretary , and USDA also published a report on the implementation of the Commission ' s recommendations . Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressed the Department ' s commitment to creating a more equitable future , acknowledging the work of the Equity Commission in addressing past mistakes and driving change . Deputy Secretary Torres Small also emphasized the importance of the Commission ' s efforts and the commitment to future work . Since its launch in 2022 , the Equity Commission has played a crucial role in identifying ways to eliminate barriers and address systemic discrimination in USDA programs . The final report provides actionable recommendations for modifying programs , policies , and practices to advance racial justice and equity for underserved communities . The Final Report has recommendations that were developed by the Agriculture Subcommittee and the Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee . These recommendations were voted on by members of the Equity Commission at their last public meeting in October 2023 . The report includes 66 recommendations that aim to bring about institutional change within the USDA . These recommendations cover a range of areas such as promoting equity throughout the department , supporting farmers and ranchers on a daily basis , assisting farmworkers and their families , enhancing research and extension programs , providing equitable nutrition assistance , recognizing immigrants and their families , strengthening rural development operations , supporting rural communities , and boosting rural economies . The Equity Commission Co - Chair , Arturo S . Rodríguez , expressed their satisfaction with the recommendations and the commitment of the Commission members . They highlighted the significance of including the voices of farmworkers in the discussions and expressed confidence in the Department ' s implementation of the recommendations . The USDA has already taken initial steps to address the recommendations within its authority and has demonstrated its commitment to equity and inclusion . These actions aim to create an organizational culture that ensures equal access to resources , reduces the racial wealth gap , and tackles historic inequities in agriculture . The recommendations from the final report have also been integrated into the updated USDA Equity Action Plan , which outlines the steps the Department will take to reach underserved communities and those in need . The Equity Commission Co - Chair , Ertharin Cousin , acknowledged that the report is not the end of the equity work at USDA and emphasized the ongoing partnership between the Commission and the Department . Moving forward , USDA plans to engage with external and internal stakeholders through regional equity convenings facilitated by Equity Commission members and their organizations throughout 2024 . The regional equity meetings will showcase USDA ' s equity initiatives and dive deep into key issues identified by members . The Equity Commission , supported by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act , was created to advance racial equity and support underserved communities . USDA appreciates the Commission ' s efforts in making recommendations to improve access to programs and services . For more information about the Equity Commission , please visit their website . USDA is working to transform the food system , support local and regional food production , create fair markets for producers , ensure access to healthy food , and promote climate - smart practices . To learn more , visit www . usda . gov . #USDA is committed to equity and diversity .
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