Source: NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE COALITION, 7/1/21

The USDA recently opened a public comment period to receive input on Executive Order 13985, “Identifying Barriers in USDA Programs and Services; Advancing Racial Justice and Equity and Support for Underserved Communities at USDA.” 

This represents a marked shift in USDA’s historic approach – alternating between settlement and denial – to dealing with the issue of structural racism in agricultural policy, programs, and staffing that have caused so much harm to Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) who farm and ranch. It is the first public opportunity in this new Administration to provide feedback on where USDA has fallen short and recommend reforms across the agency to help them “Build Back Better.” 
The deadline to submit a comment is Thursday, July 15th. 

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