Press Release
☷USDA Releases Updated Equity Action Plan
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Feb 15,2024
| 7| 1
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized that achieving equity requires speaking up and finding solutions when resources fail to reach those who need them most . The Equity Commission is working hard to identify ways in which USDA can best support farmers , farm workers , and a food system that benefits everyone . Deputy Secretary Torres Small is honored to collaborate with the Commission and its Agriculture and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittees to establish a lasting legacy at USDA that will benefit generations to come . Secretary Vilsack expressed his commitment to enhancing access to USDA programs , providing people with the necessary resources , and making America ' s food system more inclusive . He ' s proud of the progress made so far and reaffirms USDA ' s dedication to being responsive to the needs of all communities and Americans . Today , we ' re getting closer to the one - year mark of President Biden ' s Executive Order on Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support to Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government . Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack just announced that the U . S . Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) has released its Updated Equity Action Plan . This plan outlines the steps USDA will take to promote fairness and improve access to its programs and services for everyone . This 2024 update to the Equity Action Plan builds upon the solid foundation established in 2022 and aligns with President Biden ' s Executive Orders 13985 and 14091 , which emphasize the importance of equity action planning and urge federal agencies to utilize all available policy tools to drive progress . USDA has actively engaged with customers and potential customers through listening sessions , information requests , outreach events , tribal consultations , and advisory committees . The USDA ' s Equity Commission , an independent body consisting of 41 members , has played a crucial role in evaluating USDA programs and services , as well as developing recommendations to remove barriers for customers . The first Equity Action Plan , unveiled in April 2022 , highlighted some of the significant actions taken by the Department to benefit underserved farmers , ranchers , families , children , and rural communities . Additionally , each agency within USDA has developed its own tailored Equity Action Plan to address its unique responsibilities and stakeholders . Since the release of these plans , USDA mission areas and staff offices have made substantial strides in integrating equity into various programs that impact every American ' s daily life . We are also prioritizing diversity , equity , inclusion , and accessibility ( DEIA ) within USDA ' s workforce and performance . Since 2023 , we have been implementing the DEIA Strategic Plan ( USDA Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2022 – 2026 ) to create an organization that embraces these values . USDA positively impacts the lives of all Americans every day in various ways . The Biden - Harris administration is working on changes to the USDA that will make America ' s food system stronger . They want to focus on supporting local and regional food production , creating fairer markets for producers , and making sure everyone has access to safe and healthy food . They also want to help farmers and producers find new ways to make money while being mindful of the environment . The administration is also investing in infrastructure and clean energy , and they are committed to making the USDA more diverse and inclusive . For more information , check out www . usda . gov . #USDA treats everyone equally when it comes to providing opportunities , employment , and lending .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
