Equity is one of NRCS's top priorities. Equity is the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of people, including those who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment. Federal agencies have been directed to examine their services to ensure equity.
A Message from Chief Terry Cosby
What is Equity?
Equity is the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including people who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment. NRCS customers are the most important visitors to the agency. Our customers are not reliant on NRCS staff, the NRCS staff relies on our customers to be a successful and accomplished federal entity. For such a profound situation, NRCS must provide all our customers with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. Program history does not reflect continuous recognition and awarding to underserved farmers and ranchers. Without Equity, the systemic recognition and awarding has too often resulted in continued acceptance of those that are already set up for success…with Equity, NRCS will change this.
We must first understand and be able to identify the equity dimension and its impact. Although the terms ‘equality’ and ‘equity’ are sometimes used interchangeably, the two convey significantly different ideas. Equity is about fairness, while equality is about resemblance.
Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government”, directs federal agencies to examine the services it provides and develop a plan for addressing:
(i) any barriers to full and equal participation in programs identified pursuant to section 5(a) of this order; and
(ii) any barriers to full and equal participation in agency procurement and contracting opportunities identified pursuant to section 5(b) of this order.
For purposes of the order:
(a) The term "equity" means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
(b) The term "underserved communities" refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of "equity."
About the Equity Division
In accordance with Executive Order 13985, "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government," NRCS Chief Terry J. Cosby established the agency’s first ever Equity Division in October 2021. Chief Cosby’s commitment and dedication to Equity goals serve to “advance Equity by sustaining fairness of NRCS programs, services, and technical assistance within agency policies and practices.”
Foundational Information
Executive Order 13985
Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government”, directs federal agencies to examine the services it provides and develop a plan for addressing barriers.
USDA Equity Commission
At USDA, we acknowledge we have not done enough to provide all farmers and ranchers an equal chance of success and prosperity. We are committed to changing that, actively working to build a USDA that ensures none of our customers are ignored or left behind. This 15-member independent commission is charged with evaluating USDA programs and services and will recommend how we can reduce barriers for accessing them.
USDA Equity Action Plan
USDA Equity Action Plan details a subset of actions that USDA has chosen to highlight because of their potential high impact for underserved farmers and ranchers, families and children, and rural communities. While this is just a subset of many bold equity actions that we will implement, these actions create the foundation that will inform and build other equity-related strategies.
NRCS Equity Action Plan
In alignment with the direction of Executive Order 13985 and the USDA Equity Action Plan, the NRCS Equity Action Plan was developed using a framework to advance equity in the culture of NRCS and to act with unflinching commitment to institutional transformation.
NRCS Equity Policy Statement and Poster
NRCS Chief Terry Cosby is committed to building organizational capacity for all NRCS functions and throughout the agency hierarchy for institutional transformation in advancing equity. Read the NRCS Equity Policy Statement and download the Equity poster, both of which are required to be posted in NRCS offices.
Related Pages
Outreach and Partnerships
Outreach is an integral part of NRCS program and service delivery, ensuring that all programs and services are made equally accessible to all customers, with an emphasis on reaching the underserved.
Learn MoreHistorically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) includes provisions that address the unique circumstances and concerns of socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, and veteran farmers and ranchers (“historically underserved producers”).
Learn More