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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated the Final Equity Convening in Washington D.C. on September 25, 2024, marking the culmination of the National Equity Summit and regional equity convenings hosted by the Department throughout the year. The event highlighted the progress made under the Biden-Harris Administration to improve access to USDA programs and services and promote inclusion.

The USDA Equity Commission, launched in February 2022, played a crucial role in advancing equity within the Department. The Commission released a final report with 66 recommendations to address barriers to inclusion and systemic discrimination. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the Department’s commitment to implementing these recommendations to build a fairer and more equitable future.

The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized designing USDA programs through an equity lens to ensure accessibility for historically underserved communities. Deputy Secretary Torres Small underscored the importance of equity in fulfilling the Department’s mission of serving all Americans.

At the convening, USDA leaders and stakeholders discussed progress in areas such as farm loans, nutrition assistance, and technical support for underserved communities. Key investments from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have positively impacted rural communities and agriculture.

The USDA Equity Commission was established through legislative acts and aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order 13985 on advancing racial equity. The Department has implemented many of the Commission’s recommendations through administrative action, with others requiring congressional support.

Key advancements highlighted at the convening included the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program, Farm Loan Process Transformation, Priority Points Framework, and Rural Energy for America Program. These initiatives aim to improve access to USDA programs and support disadvantaged communities.

To learn more about USDA’s equity accomplishments, visit www.usda.gov/equity. The Department continues to prioritize equity in its efforts to transform America’s food system, promote fair markets for producers, and ensure access to healthy food for all communities.

USDA remains committed to removing systemic barriers, building a more representative workforce, and fostering equity across the Department. For more information, visit www.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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