The USDA held its inaugural National Equity Summit to celebrate the work of USDA’s Equity Commission and released the report “A New Path Forward.”
The report provides an overview of the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Equity Commission’s Interim Report. “USDA has worked to take significant and meaningful actions to address issues still being felt as a result of a system that hasn’t been equitable for generations and ensures that the promise of America can be achieved for every community across the country,” says Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small says it’s never easy to look at mistakes head-on and recognize where the agency has missed the mark. Since its launch in February 2022, the Equity Commission served as a key pillar of the Department’s efforts to advance equity. The Commission’s report includes 66 recommendations to support institutional change at USDA within multiple areas.
