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USDA’s Equity Commission Concludes Final Meeting, Reflects on Progress
Seven months after presenting over 60 recommendations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agency’s Equity Commission convened one last time with departmental officials. The commission, which was established in 2022, aims to tackle the historical discrimination faced by farmers of color and other marginalized groups within American agriculture by identifying and eliminating practices that contribute to systemic inequities.
U.S. agricultural policies have long marginalized farmworkers, disenfranchised Black farmers, and perpetuated unfair lending practices. Recent media analyses have highlighted ongoing disparities, revealing that farmers of color face higher rejection rates for loans in comparison to their white counterparts.
Arturo Rodríguez, commission co-chair and president emeritus of the United Farm Workers, expressed optimism about the progress made. “There’s a lot of reason to have faith,” he stated during a meeting at USDA’s headquarters. He acknowledged the department’s significant strides toward addressing the issues raised by the commission.
During the year, USDA and the Equity Commission conducted eight equity-focused convenings across the nation, according to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small. “We’ve transformed the loan process to make it easier for farmers and ranchers,” she noted, emphasizing improvements in online access to applications and the flexibility of loan payments. These changes include reducing collateral requirements and allowing for deferred payments.
Additionally, the department introduced new summer grocery benefits for certain children and families and made payments to over 43,000 individuals who had experienced discrimination within the farm lending programs prior to 2021. This response came following a judicial blockade on a previous race-targeted debt relief initiative established during the COVID-19 pandemic, which faced legal challenges from white farmers alleging racial discrimination. Congress subsequently developed a race-neutral program through the Inflation Reduction Act.
The USDA’s efforts align with a broader trend, as the Biden administration emphasizes equity across various federal agencies through executive orders and action plans. However, such initiatives have met with resistance, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that eliminated race-based affirmative action in higher education.
Torres Small highlighted the necessity of demonstrating tangible benefits from equity initiatives. “It truly is benefiting everyone,” she remarked, stressing the importance of showcasing the positive outcomes of these reforms.
Ertharin Cousin, chair and CEO of Food Systems for the Future and a co-chair of the commission, pointed out that preserving these equity initiatives requires vigilance against ongoing opposition to inclusionary practices. She affirmed that the mission focuses on ensuring equitable access to resources and support for all stakeholders within the agricultural sector.
USDA maintains a priority on implementing changes that will yield substantial impacts. Torres Small indicated that the department’s approach also considers whether Congressional action is necessary in executing specific recommendations.
Addressing internal barriers to access is a crucial component of this effort. Torres Small explained the need to assess the application process and streamline it by identifying unnecessary requirements. “Why are we asking this in the first place? Is it statute-required? Or was it simply a past recommendation?” she questioned.
Going forward, the department will also enhance technical assistance by collaborating with ground partners to facilitate smoother access to USDA programs. “This work is not over. This work cannot be over,” asserted Dewayne Goldmon, senior advisor for racial equity at USDA. He underscored the commitment to continue these essential efforts for equitable access and support in agriculture.
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