By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted its final National Equity Convening in Washington, D.C., celebrating a significant year of progress towards inclusivity in its programs. This event marked the culmination of the National Equity Summit and several regional convenings aimed at enhancing equity across the Department's services.
Secretary Tom Vilsack underscored the transformative steps taken since the inception of the Administration to foster an inclusive environment that truly serves all communities, dubbing USDA the "People’s Department." The Equity Commission, established in early 2022, has played a pivotal role, offering 66 actionable recommendations to dismantle barriers to accessibility and participation in USDA programs.
Throughout the year, these recommendations have been progressively implemented, influencing a wide range of services from farm loans to nutrition assistance.
Noteworthy improvements include the streamlined farm loan process and the introduction of online applications, significantly reducing the time applicants spend on paperwork.
Additionally, the event highlighted the impact of strategic funding from legislative measures like the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have fortified the agricultural sector, particularly in rural areas. These initiatives have supported nearly 90,000 participants through various formats such as webinars and face-to-face sessions.
As the USDA continues to evolve under the guiding principles of equity, today’s convening not only reflected on past achievements but also set the stage for ongoing efforts to ensure equity is at the heart of all USDA activities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National