Dear colleagues,

 

Today marks a landmark event in USDA’s journey in dismantling barriers historically underserved communities have faced in accessing USDA agricultural programs and services. After reviewing more than 400 highly-qualified applications, earlier today we announced the 15-members of the first-ever USDA Equity Commission, which will hold its first public meeting on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022.

 

The Equity Commission, co-chaired by Deputy Secretary Bronaugh, and its Subcommittee on Agriculture will 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. By this time next year, USDA will receive a set of actionable recommendations included in a final report that will be developed by Summer 2023. While the Equity Commission will help USDA address systemic barriers, we know that staff and employees at USDA are committed to a present and future where diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility are core to the mission of USDA. Today’s USDA is driven by its values of honesty, customer service, integrity, and respect. We will embark on this journey and chart the course forward together so that more people can be served by our incredible mission and profoundly impactful work.

 

The Equity Commission members represent a wide range of diverse personal and professional perspectives, lived experiences, and expertise in the areas of food and agriculture, civil rights, program and policy design, higher education, organizational development and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and more.

 

This monumental effort complements the great work USDA is doing to advance equity and inclusion internally and externally – from our commitments through the Equity Action Plan, procurement efforts, and our upcoming diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility planning and a myriad of activities across our agencies and offices. This work fortifies and builds on a strong civil rights foundation and commitments to those we serve – in and out of USDA.

 

As part of the onboarding and launch process, the Equity Commission will receive reports, briefings, and engage in discussions that help them learn from the experiences of USDA customers as well as the expertise of USDA program staff. The Equity Commission will be staffed by Cecilia Hernandez, the Designated Federal Official, and she will work closely with my office, and various offices and agencies across USDA, to collect information and data as needed. Over the course of the year, depending on the topics and areas of focus, the Commission may also reach out for additional information. This includes (but is not limited to) input on how programs and policies are working, how program information is delivered to producers and customers, and how USDA handles complaints. Ms. Hernandez will work on a process that facilitates data collection as needed and will work with agency and office equity leads.

 

Our work together over the coming years will ensure the trust of those who work at USDA and those who rely on and seek our programs and services. As stated in our First Friday message this past week, advancing racial justice, equity, and opportunity is central to the work ahead.

 

To learn more, visit www.usda.gov/equity-commission, or email equitycommission@usda.gov.

 

Sincerely,

 

Secretary Vilsack

Deputy Secretary Bronaugh