In January 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and committed to creating an Equity Commission as part of his rural agenda and commitment to closing the racial wealth gap and addressing longstanding inequities in agriculture.
In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the Equity Commission to advise the Secretary of Agriculture and provide USDA with an analysis of how its programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices that contribute to barriers to inclusion or access, systemic discrimination, or exacerbate or perpetuate racial, economic, health and social disparities and recommendations for action.
As a culmination of analysis of USDA programs and services, research and review of previous USDA commissions and reports, numerous conversations with the Department’s staff, and welcomed input of Americans spanning the country, the Equity Commission published and presented its Final Report last February.
The Final Report attests to the commitment of the Equity Commission and its Agriculture and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittees and their expansive knowledge and expertise in how equity can be integrated so that all customers of USDA receive a fair shot at a prosperous, successful livelihood.
The recommendations focus on the following areas for near and long-term action:
1. Advancing Department-wide Equity
2. Working with Farmers and Ranchers Day-to-Day
3. Supporting Farmworkers and their Families
4. Strengthening Research and Extension Programs
5. Ensuring Equitable Nutrition Assistance to those in Need
6. Recognizing Immigrants and their Families
7. Enhancing Rural Development Operations
8. Supporting Rural Communities
9. Strengthening Rural Economies
To review the full Final Report, click here.