USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

1 

www.usda.gov/equity/action-plan 

Equity Action Plan

July 2023

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

WWW.USDA.GOV/EQUITY/ACTION-PLAN 

Agricultural Marketing Service 
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

1 

Contents

Message From the Under Secretary ...................................................................................... 2

Message From the Administrator.......................................................................................... 3

Introduction............................................................................................................................ 4

Accomplishments............................................................................................................ 5

Regional Food Business Centers Finalists Announced................................................... 6

Partnering with Farmers Market Coalition to Support Establishment of Farmers 

Markets at 1890 Land-grant Universities ...................................................................... 7

Organic Transition Initiative: Transition to Organic Partnership Program.................... 7

Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program............................................. 9

Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity – Technical Assistance Program....................... 9

Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program............................ 10

Evaluating the Accessibility of AMS Grant Programs to U.S. Farmers, Ranchers, 

Fishers, and Businesses................................................................................................ 11

Equity Actions................................................................................................................12

(1) Increasing Targeted Investments ........................................................................... 12

(2) Reducing Barriers to AMS Programs ...................................................................... 12

(3) Advancing Equity in Procurement.......................................................................... 14

Selected Equity Resources and Information....................................................................15

USDA Equity-Related Summary Reports and Guidance............................................... 15

Selected Equity-Related Executive Orders and White House Resources.................... 15

AMS Equity-Related Resources.................................................................................... 15

USDA Mission Statement..................................................................................................... 16

Department Equity Action Plan Goals................................................................................. 16
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

2 

Message From the Under Secretary 

At USDA, we take pride in supporting the farmers, 

farmworkers, ranchers, growers, and foresters who manage 

our natural resources and provide our country with its food, 

feed, fuel, fiber, and flora. Our programs provide these 

agricultural leaders with the resources they need to offer our 

country and the world a diverse supply of crops and 

commodities. Within the Marketing and Regulatory Programs 

(MRP) mission area, we fulfill a range of functions, from 

securing America’s plant and animal health to creating more, 

new, and better marketing opportunities for producers. We 

even ensure the quality and availability of wholesome, 

nutritious food for consumers, school students, and our 

underserved communities. Our work touches every corner of 

this country every day and we take seriously the task of 

delivering our programs equitably, efficiently, and effectively. 

Our Equity Action Plans outline the ways our agencies—the Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)—are working to ensure that 

true diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility continue to be the foundation of everything 

we do at the “People’s Department.” That is important not only for our employees and 

customers, but for all whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by the work that they do. By 

reducing barriers that prevent individuals from entering and flourishing in the agricultural 

sector and at USDA and by promoting an agricultural industry that is robust, resilient, and fair, 

MRP can play a vital role in the continued leadership of rural and agricultural communities. 

This is ongoing work that requires us to constantly and meaningfully engage with our 

stakeholders, employees, and other partners. Feedback is the heartbeat of collaboration, and it 

is crucial that the development of our programs and our workforce be informed by and 

composed of a diverse set of voices that reflect our nation. As a mission area and as a 

Department, we remain committed to centering equity in everything we do. I look forward to 

continuing to engage in these important conversations and actions. 

– Jenny Lester Moffitt

Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

3 

Message From the Administrator

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is committed to a 

comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, in 

response to President Biden’s day-one Executive Order 

13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for 

Underserved Communities Through the Federal 

Government, and the February 2023 Executive Order 14091, 

Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for 

Underserved Communities Through the Federal 

Government. AMS has laid the foundation to remove 

barriers to equal opportunity and deliver resources 

equitably to all agricultural stakeholders.

The AMS mission is to create domestic and international 

marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, 

and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture 

industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for 

consumers across the country and around the world. Delivering AMS’s mission in a purposefully 

equitable manner requires changing traditional perspectives, actions, processes, and 

performance measures to ensure that the full suite of benefits, outcomes, and opportunities to 

participate are made available to all. The foundation for the agency’s success depends on 

having a high-performing, representative, and service-focused workforce.

AMS has taken important steps to address historic inequities in accessing agency programs and 

services, but more needs to be done. This plan highlights some of AMS’s early accomplishments 

in building more equitable programs, details AMS’s plan to advance equity in the selected 

program areas, and sets forth AMS’s commitment to continuous improvements to best serve 

our customers and fulfill our critical mission. The actions outlined in this plan fall under three 

focus areas: increase targeted investments, reduce barriers to AMS programs, and advance 

equity in procurement. These actions are highlighted because of their potential high impact for 

underserved farmers and ranchers, families and children, and rural communities.

When the first equity Executive Order was issued, AMS took actions to analyze data, consider 

diverse stakeholder input, and prioritize activities that were immediately responsive to the 

urgent needs of those who have historically had difficulty accessing AMS programs and 

services. AMS is committed to advancing justice, equity, and opportunity for all. This Equity 

Action Plan is our roadmap for ensuring our programs and services are accessible, especially to 

underserved communities and to those who need them most.

– Bruce Summers

 Administrator

Administrator Bruce Summers
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

4 

Introduction 

“Equity” means the consistent and systematic treatment of all individuals in a fair, just, and 

impartial manner, including individuals who belong to communities that often have been 

denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, Indigenous and Native American, Asian American, 

Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander persons and other persons of color; members of religious 

minorities; women and girls; LGBTQI+ persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in 

rural areas; persons who live in United States Territories; persons otherwise adversely affected 

by persistent poverty or inequality; and individuals who belong to multiple such communities. 

AMS relies on our customers to be a successful and accomplished federal entity; therefore, 

AMS must provide all our customers with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless 

of their circumstances. 

Released in January 2021, Executive Order 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for 

Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, directed federal agencies to 

examine the services they provide and develop a plan for addressing:

(1) any barriers to full and equal participation in federal programs, and 

(2) any barriers to full and equal participation in agency procurement and contracting 

opportunities. 

Released in February 2023, Executive Order 14091: Further Advancing Racial Equity and 

Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, directed federal 

agencies to establish equity teams, and built upon the Administration’s previous equity-related 

Executive Orders by extending and strengthening equity-advancing requirements for agencies, 

and continuing to pursue ambitious goals to build a strong, fair, and inclusive workforce and 

economy.

By advancing equity, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that 

have been underserved. We know that each of us has unique talents and abilities that can 

contribute to the success of AMS. We will celebrate the diversity of our community and take 

steps to ensure everyone is included and respected when designing and implementing our 

programs. We invite you to join us in this journey and continue to be a part of our efforts as we 

march forward in advancing equity at AMS. 
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

5 

Accomplishments

May

2023

December 

2022 

October 

2022 

March 

2022

December 

2021 

November 

2021 

Announced the creation of 12 new USDA Regional Food Business Centers

that will provide technical assistance needed to access new markets, 

access to federal, state, and local resources, and will assist small and midsized producers in overcoming barriers to market access, with a focus on 

underserved farmers, ranchers, and food businesses.

Began partnering with the Farmers Market Coalition to support 

establishment of farmers markets at 1890 land-grant universities.

Began partnering with two 1890 land-grant universities to evaluate the 

accessibility of AMS grant programs to all U.S. agricultural farmers, 

ranchers, fishers and businesses, with a focus on underserved individuals 

and communities.

Established the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement 

Program, which provides funding to state, territorial and tribal 

governments for emergency food assistance purchases of domestic local 

foods.

Began accepting applications for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative 

Agreement Program, which provides funding for states to purchase local 

food for school meal programs.

Announced the establishment of cooperative agreements in six regions 

across the U.S. for the Organic Transition Initiative: Transition to Organic 

Partnership Program.

Identified seven organizations to serve as Technical Assistance Providers 

for the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity – Technical Assistance

Program.

March 

2022
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

6 

Regional Food Business Centers Finalists Announced

On May 3, 2023, the finalists for 12 new USDA Regional Food Business Centers were 

announced. AMS awarded a total of $360 million across the Regional Food Business Centers, 

which will assist small- and mid-sized producers in overcoming barriers to market access, with a 

focus on underserved farmers, ranchers, and food businesses. In addition, the Centers will 

provide technical assistance needed to access new markets, and access to federal, state, and 

local resources. By strengthening connections between rural and urban areas, the Regional 

Food Business Centers will drive economic opportunities across the region, creating a more

diversified and resilient food system.

The figure below shows the coverage of the 12 Regional Food Business Centers:
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

7 

Partnering with Farmers Market Coalition to Support Establishment of Farmers 

Markets at 1890 Land-grant Universities

In December 2022, AMS and the Farmers Market Coalition announced a cooperative agreement 

partnership to support the establishment of farmers markets at 1890 land-grant universities. 

The first phase of this project includes partnering with Southern University in Baton Rouge, 

Louisiana, Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, and Virginia State University in 

Petersburg, Virginia, to develop on-campus farmers markets. A key objective is to help address 

food insecurity at these three universities by increasing student access to fresh, locally 

produced foods. Phase one of the project focuses on education, data gathering, design, and 

operating procedures, and will convene the three universities in a community of practice with 

the Farmers Market Coalition and AMS. Phase two will take the information gathered from 

phase one to perform prototyping and implementation of market activities. The goal is for each 

university to execute a farmers market launch on or near their campus by fall 2023.

Organic Transition Initiative: Transition to Organic Partnership Program

The Organic Transition Initiative (OTI) was launched in August 2022 as part of USDA’s food 

system transformation effort to support local and regional food systems, expand access to 

markets to more producers, and increase the affordable food supply for more Americans, while 

promoting climate-smart agriculture and ensuring equity for all producers. The Transition to 

Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is a network of organizations partnering to provide 

technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers.

The partner organizations:

• Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.

• Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.

• Provide community building opportunities to include:

o Train-the-mentor support

o Technical assistance
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

8 

o Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, 

certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating 

the supply chain), regulations, and marketing

• Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following 

certification. 

• Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension 

agents) on organic workforce training and education, and future human capital 

planning. 

The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: (1) the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, (2) Southeast, 

(3) Midwest, (4) Plains, (5) Northwest, and (6) West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions 

are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP 

regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and 

states that are currently underserved (refer to map below). 
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

9 

Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program

As of July 2023, AMS has signed 42 agreements totaling $177 million under the Local Food for 

Schools (LFS) Cooperative Agreement Program that is designed to strengthen the food system 

for schools by helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient local food chain, and expand 

local and regional markets with an emphasis on purchasing from historically underserved 

producers and processors. The cooperative agreements allow states to buy and distribute local 

and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious, and unique to their geographic 

area. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds help build and expand economic 

opportunity for local, small, and underserved producers, and support schools as they transition 

away from pandemic operations and develop solutions to the continuing economic impacts of 

the pandemic. A list of entities that have signed LFS agreements with AMS can be found here. 

Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity – Technical Assistance Program

In March 2022, AMS identified seven organizations to serve as Technical Assistance Providers 

for the Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity – Technical Assistance (MPPTA) Program, which 

ensures that participants in USDA’s Meat and Poultry Supply Chain initiatives, including the 

Local Meat Capacity Grant Program and the Indigenous Animals Grant Program, have full-range 

technical assistance access to support their project development and success. AMS established 

a nationwide MPPTA network of support focusing on four key areas:

• Federal Grant Application Management: Navigating federal grants processes and 

procedures, from pre-award application processes through post-award grant 

management compliance.

• Business Development and Financial Planning: Business and financial planning 

resources, market intelligence, and project/concept feasibility analyses.

• Meat and Poultry Processing Technical and Operation Support: Advice and resources 

to support the operational needs, including workforce development of processing plant 

development and utilization.

• Supply Chain Development: Support for the development and maintenance of 

successful supply chain and marketing relationships between suppliers, processors, 

distributors, and customers. 

One of the Technical Assistance Providers, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, provides valuable 

resources and support across Indian Country through its Technical Assistance Network. The 

MPPTA program also provides USDA stakeholders with access to the many experts and 

expertise embodied at the American Association of Meat Processors, the American Meat 

Science Association, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, and the Niche Meat 

Processors Assistance Network. Most recently, AMS signed an agreement with Tuskegee 

University to join the MPPTA network and augment USDA’s efforts to support meat and poultry 

processing capacity building across the South and Southeast, particularly involving minority and 

underutilized/underserved agricultural producers and processors. 
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

10

Another Technical Assistance Provider, the Flower Hill Institute (FHI), is the lead Technical 

Assistance Coordinator for the diverse nationwide MPPTA network that operates out of the 

Jemez Pueblo of New Mexico. FHI has expanded the MPPTA reach even further by establishing 

arrangements with other industry-serving organizations and interest groups including the 

Farmer Veteran Coalition, the Rural Advancement Fund, Women in Ranching, and many others. 

The MPPTA network cross-pollinates resources and support for USDA stakeholders by engaging 

with USDA’s American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Initiative grantees and USDA’s 2501 

Program, organizations focused on underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters. 

An MPPTA Program Fact Sheet is available in Spanish, and interested stakeholders can be 

connected with Spanish-speaking technical support upon request. 

Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program

In December 2021, AMS announced the first round of funding for the Local Food Purchase 

Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement Program to provide funding to state, territorial and 

tribal governments for emergency food assistance purchases of domestic local foods. As of July

2023, AMS has awarded 82 of the 84 agreements. States, territories, and tribal governments 

who participated in the first round of funding may apply for LFPA Plus, which provides up to 

$464 million, to expand their current cooperative agreements. Tribal governments and 

territories who did not participate in the first round of funding may submit applications to 

participate in LFPA Plus. A total of 24 current tribal participants have submitted applications for 

LFPA Plus. These food assistance purchases help to transform the food system by expanding 

local and regional markets, and placing an emphasis on purchasing from historically 

underserved farmers and ranchers. The food serves feeding programs, including food banks, 

schools and organizations that reach underserved communities. A list of entities that have

signed LFPA agreements with AMS can be found here. 

Under Secretary Jenny Moffitt joined the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin to discuss how LFPA 

funds will be used to procure indigenous foods (white fish, bison, beef, wild rice, and apples) for the 

Tribal Elder Food Box Program and additional purchases to distribute among other communities.
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

11

Evaluating the Accessibility of AMS Grant Programs to U.S. Farmers, Ranchers, 

Fishers, and Businesses

In November 2021, AMS began partnering with Florida A&M University and University of 

Maryland Eastern Shore on a project to evaluate the accessibility of AMS grant programs to all 

U.S. agricultural farmers, ranchers, fishers, and businesses, with a focus on underserved 

individuals and communities. The goals of the project include:

• evaluating barriers to AMS grant opportunities for underserved communities;

• investing in building trust and confidence between these communities and the USDA; 

and 

• taking action to rectify inequalities in program access through targeted outreach, 

training, and technical assistance.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore hosted a series of Local Agriculture Market Program 

(LAMP) technical assistance workshops between March and April 2023. This workshop series 

covered LAMP grant requirements, key changes from last year, and navigating the grant writing 

process and the application website. The overarching goal for the partnership is to build strong 

relationships and broaden AMS’ ability to serve diverse communities, ensuring inclusive access 

to vital programs.
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

12

Equity Actions

AMS’s equity actions are divided into three areas of focus: 

(1) increasing targeted investments, 

(2) reducing barriers to AMS programs, and 

(3) advancing equity in procurement. 

All of the accomplishments noted in the previous section are ongoing programs and activities 

that will continue to be implemented by AMS in the next few years. 

(1) Increasing Targeted Investments

AMS will continue to partner with 1890 historically Black land-grant colleges and universities to 

conduct an analysis of barriers to accessing AMS grant funding in underserved communities, 

with the goal of rectifying potential inequalities in program access. The project centers the 

voices of these communities through listening session conducted in cooperation with a 

nationwide network of community organizations and food system practitioners. Participants 

share their experiences and discuss their needs along with any barriers they have faced. The 

knowledge gained from these discussions will be used to develop training materials, technical 

assistance programs, and other resources. 

In addition, AMS will continue to implement the 3-year cooperative agreement with the 

Farmers Market Coalition with the goal of building capacity among diverse stakeholders to 

increase access to produce within their local communities and to educate consumers about the 

benefits of local food. Partnership includes ongoing collaborations with 1890 land-grant 

colleges and universities to start or further develop farmers markets on or around their 

campuses.

(2) Reducing Barriers to AMS Programs

The requirement for vendors to provide certified financial statements has long been a barrier 

keeping both small and large businesses from participating with USDA as approved vendors. To 

streamline the new vendor process and increase vendor participation, in December 2022, AMS 

removed the need for vendors to provide audited or reviewed financial statements. Instead, to 
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

13

determine financial capability, AMS obtains a Contractor Responsibility Assessment Report that 

is generated via robotic process automation that includes a vendor’s responses in the System 

for Award Management and any pertinent records in the procurement databases. This new 

process enables more market opportunities and more profit for American producers. 

In addition, beginning July 1, 2023, suppliers of food purchase programs administered by AMS 

will no longer be required to use high security seals on trucks, railcars, vessels, and other 

transports when transporting food products purchased to support those programs; they will be 

allowed to use traceable, tamper evident, flat metal, wire or plastic commercial security seals. 

AMS’ Commodity Procurement Program recently made the change to align with current 

industry standard practices and reduce barriers to vendor participation in USDA food purchase 

programs. By aligning USDA requirements with commercial standards, USDA continues 

promoting competition by expanding the vendor pool and creating opportunities for smaller 

and minority-owned businesses. 

AMS will continue to partner with non-profit organizations to provide technical assistance and 

wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP provides a unique 

opportunity for USDA to support the organic sector in engaging underserved farmers who may 

be interested in the organic option. TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners 

working together towards a common goal. Understanding and removing barriers to organic 

certification through mentoring, technical assistance, community building, and organic 

workforce development, directly contribute to USDA’s goals of increasing diversity and access 

in the organic market.
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

14

(3) Advancing Equity in Procurement

AMS is expanding outreach efforts to suppliers of kosher and halal agricultural products to 

determine availability for USDA nutrition assistance programs. AMS will also partner with 

USDA’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to expand outreach beyond 

current suppliers to gather feedback on products and capacity available for USDA procurement 

programs. Results of this outreach will be shared with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to 

determine products that program operators are interested in USDA purchasing and begin the 

acquisition process. 

AMS will continue to implement the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools 

Cooperative Agreement Programs, and provide technical assistance to states and tribal 

governments to identify and develop procurement practices to support underserved farmers 

and producers within their states, and conduct outreach. 

For more information on equity at AMS, and all of USDA, see usda.gov/equity.
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

15

Selected Equity Resources and Information

USDA Equity-Related Summary Reports and Guidance

• Programmatic Equity at USDA:

o Equity Website

o Equity Accomplishments

o Equity Action Plan: Full Plan | Summary (February 2022)

• Equity Commission

o Equity Commission Website

o 2023 Interim Report | USDA Response (English) (February 2023)

o Informe Interino 2023 |Respuesta al Informe Interino de la Comisión de Equidad 

del USDA| (En Español) (Febrero 2023)

• USDA Environmental Justice Scorecard 

• USDA Advisory Committees

• Get Started! A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and 

Ranchers (July 2022)

Selected Equity-Related Executive Orders and White House Resources 

• White House Equity Page 

• Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved 

Communities Through the Federal Government (January 2021)

• Executive Order 14091, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved 

Communities Through the Federal Government (February 2023)

• Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice 

for All (April 2023)

• Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments

(November 2000)

• Presidential Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation 

Relationships

• The Path to Achieving Justice40

AMS Equity-Related Resources

• Regional Food Business Centers Program

• Transition to Organic Partnership Program

• Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program

• Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program

• Removing Barriers to Becoming a USDA Food Vendor

• Meat and Poultry Processing Capacity – Technical Assistance Program
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

16

USDA Mission Statement

“To serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science-based public policy leadership in 

agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and 

related issues with a commitment to delivering equitable and climate-smart opportunities that inspire 

and help America thrive.”

Department Equity Action Plan Goals

1. Reducing Barriers to USDA Programs

USDA is reducing barriers to programs and improving support to underserved farmers, ranchers, 

landowners, businesses, and communities, including by providing ways for stakeholders to share 

their experiences, insights, and needs and by incorporating that input into policy development 

and implementation improvement.

2. Partnering with Trusted Technical Assistance Providers 

USDA is partnering with trusted technical assistance providers to ensure that underserved 

producers and communities have the support they need to access USDA programs. 

3. Directing USDA Programs to Those Who Need Them the Most

USDA programs are targeting those who need them the most, including by increasing 

infrastructure investments that benefit underserved communities. 

4. Expanding Equitable Access to USDA Nutrition Assistance Programs

USDA is expanding equitable access to USDA nutrition assistance programs to ensure that those 

who qualify are able to participate, those who participate get benefits that are meaningful, and 

those who receive those benefits can use them conveniently and in ways that promote 

improvements in their health and well-being.

5. Advancing Equity in Federal Procurement

USDA is advancing equity in Federal procurement, by providing underserved and disadvantaged 

businesses, tools and resources to increase access to funding opportunities and expand their 

network to develop critical local, State, regional, and National relationships. 

6. Upholding Federal Trust and Treaty Responsibilities to Indian Tribes

USDA is upholding general Federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Indian Tribes, removing 

barriers to access USDA programs, embracing Tribal self-determination principles, and 

incorporating indigenous values and perspectives in program design and delivery.

7. Committing Unwaveringly to Civil Rights

USDA has committed unwaveringly to civil rights, working to equip its civil rights offices with the 

tools, skills, capacity, and processes essential to enforce and uphold civil rights effectively and 

efficiently. 

8. Operating with Transparency and Accountability

USDA is operating transparently and accountably, providing information on Department 

programs that Congress, stakeholders, and the general public need to hold us to account on our 

equity agenda, and working systematically to collect and take account of public feedback.
USDA – Agricultural Marketing Service

EQUITY ACTION PLAN 2023-2024 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.