NRCS works to ensure compliance with Agency policies for conservation and equal opportunity programs, and accountability for the delivery of quality and timely service to our customers. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.
Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Special Emphasis Programs
Special emphasis programs are an important part of the civil rights program at the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The special emphasis program managers along with program managers assist Louisiana's State Conservationist to ensure that equal opportunity is present in all aspects of NRCS programs and services. Louisiana's State Conservationist and staff provide leadership to identify under representation and ensure that positive actions are being taken to address problem areas. Special emphasis program managers provide advice and assistance to Louisiana's State Conservationist and management staff to help meet civil rights program goals and objectives. The Special Program Managers also assist the State Conservationist to ensure effective communications among all persons involved with the civil rights responsibilities.
Historically Underserved Communities
Some groups of people are identified in Farm Bill legislation and in USDA policy as being Historically Underserved (HU). Four groups are defined by USDA as “Historically Underserved,” including farmers or ranchers who are: Beginning, Socially Disadvantaged, Military veterans and Limited Resource