Mark Your Calendar: July 28-29
On July 28-29, USDA is hosting virtual listening sessions to collect testimony and information for its Racial Equity Commission. The group’s directive is to address systemic inequities and increase participation in USDA programs, services, committees and decision-making processes. CDFA Farmer Equity Advisor Thea Rittenhouse is scheduled to speak about the department’s Farmer Equity Report (English & Español) and issues particular to California agriculture.
How to Participate:
Sign up here to speak during the Zoom sessions:
July 28: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_yGVAn5vNQ-iTEepJVU6FGA
(7am-10am, 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm Pacific / 10am-1pm, 1pm-4pm, 4pm-7pm Eastern)
July 29: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_yGVAn5vNQ-iTEepJVU6FGA
(4pm-7pm Pacific / 7-9pm Eastern)
Submit comments to the Federal Register here: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/USDA-2021-0006-0001
Submit comments by email here: EquityRFI@usda.gov
Deadline for comments in August 14 (it has been extended since the original Federal Register announcement).
Guiding questions:
- If you have interacted with any agency at USDA, please describe that experience.
- How can USDA remove or reduce barriers that underserved communities and individuals face?
- What can USDA do to actively increase participation and engagement with underserved communities?