The deputy secretary said, they want a systemic change.
A commission on equity established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USD) provides 32 recommendations intended to advance “equity” in farming.
Among the recommendations offered by the commission are research programs, nutrition programs, commitment to farmworkers, changes in how the agency works with farmers day-to-day, and other department-wide changes.
Policy suggestions included specific measures to institutionalize equity within the agency and require training in certain agency committees. They want to see loan application processes simplified and an improvement in access to capital for communities that are underserved.
The report was led by the outgoing deputy secretary, Jewel Bronaugh, and the president emeritus of the United Farm Workers, Arturo Rodriguez.
Deputy Secretary Bronaugh said, “We didn’t want this set of interim recommendations to look like things we’ve seen in previous reports. We wanted to get a systemic change.”
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack responded to the proposals saying, “While this is a subset of many bold actions that we will seek to implement, they establish the foundation upon which USDA will build a more just and equitable farm and food system.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Vilsack to seek God’s leading as he considers the recommendations regarding farming equity.
- For USDA officials as they determine what to integrate into agricultural processes.
- For the president and his advisers as they look to improve equity.
Sources: Daily Caller, NPR
