ALBANY, GA, May 16, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack attended the Regional Equity Convening for the Southeastern Region at the Sherrod Institute’s annual Farm Field Day in Albany, Georgia. The event highlighted opportunities to advance equity in agricultural and rural communities. Regional leaders and local stakeholders from across the Southeast were invited to learn about the recommendations put forward in the Equity Commission Final Report and to hear from USDA leadership on their efforts to advance equity through various initiatives.
"When you provide equity, justice, and opportunity to one, you are, in essence, providing it to all, essentially making this country a more resilient, fairer, and more just place," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This department is fully focused on acknowledging its past and looking toward a better future where all who want to engage in agriculture have the opportunity to do so."
The Sherrod Institute was created by Equity Commission member Shirley Sherrod to highlight the importance of advancing equity in agriculture. Additional USDA leadership in attendance included Senior Advisor for Racial Justice and Equity Dr. Dewayne Goldmon, Natural Resources and Conservation Chief Terry Cosby, Director of the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement Dr. Lisa Ramirez, and Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Dr. Penny Brown Reynolds.
“Our office provides leadership and direction for the fair and equitable treatment of all USDA customers while ensuring quality programs,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Dr. Brown Reynolds.
The Southeast Regional Convening gathered partners and local stakeholders to learn about climate-smart agriculture practices with a tour of the Sherrod Institute. Participants also took part in panel discussions focused on various topics including next-generation agricultural leaders.
After receiving the final report from the Equity Commission in February 2024, USDA has taken action to begin addressing recommendations that fall within its authority.
Final report recommendations have been incorporated into an updated USDA Equity Action Plan, released on February 14, 2024. This plan outlines the actions USDA will take to ensure Department resources reach underserved communities.
In February 2024, USDA held its first National Equity Summit which kicked off a series of regional equity engagements planned for the year. Additional events will be held in other U.S. regions by Equity Commission members where USDA will continue to demonstrate its commitment to equity in agriculture.
The Equity Commission was established as an important component of the Department’s commitment to President Biden’s vision in Executive Order 13985 to Advance Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.
The final report includes 66 recommendations to support institutional change at USDA within various areas. The department has made strides to respond to those recommendations that can be implemented through administrative action, while many would require legislative action by Congress.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.
