The US Department of Agriculture’s Equity Commission on Tuesday will present more than 30 recommendations it hopes will extend opportunities to communities of color and help resolve longstanding discriminatory practices across the agency, according to a copy of the interim report obtained by CNN.
In particular, the report calls for greater diversity across the agency, equitable access to USDA programs and accountability for the USDA to follow through on recommendations that are implemented.
Included in its 32 recommendations, the report:
- Specifically lays out suggestions for diversifying county committees – powerful boards made up of elected local farmers who help with outreach and make determinations on Farm Service Agency programs – and funding for community organizations to help resolve heirs’ property issues, which involve family land that has been passed down that does not have a deed or will to show proof of ownership.
- Pledges to provide greater recognition of the struggles experienced by farmworkers and calls for $5 billion to be provided to organizations that are concerned with their working conditions and wellbeing.
- Outlines changes that should be made to the Census of Agriculture, including changing the definition of a farm and counting various types of farmers and ranchers in the next census, and improving language access. The commission also calls for legislation “to ensure accountability for equity” in the USDA and a re-evaluation of other programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Recommends that the USDA transform the FSA “into a customer service organization that provides equitable treatment for all,” an effort that comes at a time the USDA is providing debt relief to farmers and in the past has been embroiled in discrimination complaints from farmers of color. The FSA…
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