Equity Commission Final Report
In acknowledgement of USDA’s commitment to equity since President Biden’s Executive Order 13985 in January 2021, the Equity Commission recognizes the progress made to further advance equity at USDA. The Equity Commission and its Agriculture and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittees appreciates the opportunity to provide recommendations to support this effort by USDA and is pleased to share 66 recommendations in its Final Report published February 2024, two years after its inception.
Shaping Change at USDA
In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched the Equity Commission (EC) to provide recommendations to the Secretary that would address racial equity issues in its programs and services and strengthen accountability within USDA.
Equity Commission Informing Change
As an independent body with 41 Commission and Subcommittee members, the Equity Commission analyzed how USDA’s programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices contribute to barriers to inclusion or access, systemic discrimination, or exacerbate or perpetuate racial, economic, health and social disparities. In February 2024, EC members published the Final Report which provided 66 total recommendations.
Using this information, USDA is taking action to ensure the Department’s programs, services, and decisions reflect the values of equity and inclusion. This action will create an organizational culture that supports, reinforces, and aims to ensure equal access to resources, closes the racial wealth gap, and addresses the longstanding inequities.
BackgroundCommission MembersReports
Equity Commission Meetings
The Equity Commission will meet up to four times each year, either virtually or face-to-face. All Equity Commission meetings are open to the public.
- October 24-26, 2023
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The sixth public meeting of the Equity Commission (EC or Commission) and its Agriculture Subcommittee and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee was held October 24-26, 2023. It was a hybrid meeting conducted in person and via Zoom. Written comments will be accepted through Friday, November 10 at 11:59 pm and will be included in the meeting minutes.
- June 27-29, 2023
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The fifth public meeting of the Equity Commission (EC or Commission) and its Agriculture Subcommittee and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee was held June 27-29, 2023. It was a hybrid meeting conducted in person and via Zoom. Written comments will be accepted through Friday, July 14 at 11:59 pm and will be included in the meeting minutes.
- Meeting Minutes (PDF, 969 KB)
- Meeting Slides (PPTX, 65.1 MB)
- March 3 – July 15 Public Written Comments (PDF, 164 KB)
- Federal Register Notice
- Agenda (PDF, 328 KB) (PDF, 328 KB)
- Equity Commission Fifth Public Meeting - Day1
- Equity Commission Fifth Public Meeting - Day2
- Equity Commission Fifth Public Meeting - Day3
- January 31 - February 2, 2023
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The fourth public meeting of the Equity Commission (EC or Commission) and its Agriculture Subcommittee and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee was held January 31 - February 2, 2023. It was a hybrid meeting conducted in person and via Zoom.
Agenda (PDF, 394 KB)
USDA Hosts the Equity Commission Fourth Meeting Flickr album
Meeting Slides (PPTX, 10.8 MB)
January 31 - February 2 Public Written Comments (PDF, 25.5 MB)
Equity Commission Fourth Public Meeting - Day 1
Equity Commission Fourth Public Meeting - Day 2
Equity Commission Fourth Public Meeting - Day 3
Meeting Minutes (PDF, 1.3 MB)
- September 21-22, 2022
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The third public meeting of the Equity Commission (EC or Commission) and its Agriculture Subcommittee and Rural Community Economic Development Subcommittee was held September 21-22, 2022. It was a hybrid meeting conducted in person and via Zoom.
Agenda (PDF, 261 KB)
Equity Commission Third Public Meeting - Day 1
Presentation for Third Public Meeting - Day 1 (PDF, 2.5 MB)
Presentation for Compilation of Historical Recommendations (PDF, 3.8 MB)
Equity Commission Third Public Meeting - Day 2
September 2022 Public Written Comments (PDF, 1.0 MB)
USDA Equity Commission Public Meeting at University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
USDA Hosts the Equity Commission Flickr album
Meeting Minutes (PDF, 885 KB)
- May 10-11, 2022
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The second public meeting of the Equity Commission (EC or Commission) and its Agriculture Subcommittee was held May 10 - 11, 2022. It was a hybrid meeting conducted in person and via Zoom.
Agenda (PDF, 141 KB)
Meeting Minutes (PDF, 1.0 MB)
Meeting Slides (PDF, 1.9 MB)
Zoom Chat Comments (PDF, 251 KB)
Presentation on Farm Workers (PPTX, 71.7 MB)
Tribal Consultation Papers (Referenced and Distributed during the Meeting)
USDA Equity Commission Virtual Meeting - May 10th Recording
USDA Equity Commission Virtual Meeting - May 11th Recording
May 2022 Written Public Comments (PDF, 12.3 MB)
- February 28, 2022
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The inaugural meeting of the Equity Commission (EC or Commission) and its Agriculture Subcommittee was held virtually on February 28, 2022. Members of the public who registered by February 21st had the opportunity to sign up to provide oral comments during the meeting. Members of the public were also invited to submit written comments in their registration form and via email to equitycommission@usda.gov. The public comment period was open until March 15, 2022. All meeting materials, including public comments, are posted below.
Meeting Agenda (PDF, 65.9 KB)
Meeting Slides (PDF, 858 KB)
Meeting Minutes (PDF, 543 KB)
Written Comments (PDF, 26.7 MB)
Zoom Chat Comments (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Meeting Recording
Contact
Questions
EquityCommission@usda.gov
Media Inquiries
Press@usda.gov
