Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott released the following statement in response to the publication of the final report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Equity Commission, which lists 66 final recommendations for advancing equity across the department. 

“This report, and indeed the very existence of the USDA Equity Commission, is a historic step toward addressing systemic inequities whose lingering effects can still be felt today. Our Black, Latino, Asian American, and Tribal producers and ranchers, rural communities, and others who avail themselves of USDA programs, will benefit from the implementation of the Equity Commission’s final recommendations. The final report helps put the USDA on a proper footing toward improving its services and programs for all Americans. The American farm economy is, at its foundation, sustained by the grit and hard work of people who do not ask for much more than a fair shake. These recommendations are not a silver bullet, and challenges are sure to arise during the implementation process. By eliminating barriers to and increasing fairness in USDA programs, we not only advance equity—we advance the interests of American agriculture.”