The Secretary of Agriculture appointed a Director of Sustainable Development and Small Farms and Deputy Director for Small Farms. Also, a Council on Small Farms headed by the Deputy Secretary and composed of members of the sub-cabinet was appointed by the Secretary to carry out small farm policy across the Department. Each USDA mission area and agency should designate a small farm coordinator to work directly with the Administrator of Small Farm Programs. Small farm coordinators were appointed from each mission area and where appropriate, from the agencies. Coordinators will spend 50 to 100 percent of their time on small farm issues and will work with the Sustainable Development and Small Farm Director and the Small Farm Deputy Director.
Coordinators meet biweekly.
Mission areas and agencies should address small farm concerns in their mission statements as well as their strategic plans. Secretary instructed each mission area to review mission statements, strategic plans and performance goals and directed the Agencies and Small Farms Director to make changes to plans, goals, and statements where needed. Will continue to monitor. USDA should provide career enhancement incentives and opportunities that encourage high-quality and sustained performance for USDA employees who deliver programs, conduct research and outreach, or other wise serve small farm operators. Under consideration is the issuance of a memorandum directing agencies to consider actions of individuals who serve small farmers as valuable qualifications in career enhancement and performance award opportunities.