Savi Horne: Stewarding Land Access and Environmental Justice usda.gov - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from usda.gov Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
True sustainability in the agriculture industry starts with equity. When we take steps to recognize the challenges members in our community face around issues of equity – when we are committed to providing all farmers and farmworkers an equal chance of success and prosperity we are building a community that is stronger, a community that is more resilient, and a community where all groups are valued and affirmed.
As a fifth-generation farmer, Shari Rogge-Fidler sees the opportunity ahead for the future generation in agriculture and feels excitement for USDA’s engagement in the industry. It’s what encouraged her role in the Equity Commission on the Agriculture Subcommittee.
November is Native American Heritage Month. This is a time to celebrate Native American history and culture while also exploring the ongoing contributions, achievements, and hardships of Native people in the United States. This month’s theme, Indigenous Foods: The Intersection Between Land, Food, and Culture, highlights a challenge that many Native Americans face food insecurity. USDA recognizes this and the importance of empowering Native Americans by building back sustainable food systems that strengthen food security and increases their control over Native agriculture and food systems.
From September 15 through October 15, we acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating equity champions in the Hispanic agricultural community. One of these champions is David Josué Carrasquillo-Medrano, a member of USDA Equity Commission’s Rural Community Economic Development (RCED) Subcommittee. As Executive Director of ¡Planifiquemos! in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Carrasquillo-Medrano has spent years advancing equity and building community infrastructure in Puerto Rico. He has devoted his career to ensuring that underrepresented communities receive equal access to resources and opportunities.