WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the termination of more than 145 awards focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), resulting in an estimated maximum savings of $148.6 million.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins detailed the decision, emphasizing a shift in priorities to better support American farmers. “Under President Trump’s leadership, I am putting an end to the waste, fraud, and abuse that has diverted resources from American farmers and restoring sanity and fiscal stewardship to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” Rollins stated.
Among the terminated programs are initiatives aimed at enhancing access to agricultural resources for underserved communities, such as:
- A $575,251 program to educate socially disadvantaged farmers about conservation practices.
- A $192,246 project focused on environmental justice through equitable urban forestry models.
- A $2.5 million effort to expand access to land, capital, and markets for underserved producers in the Bay Area.
The USDA’s decision aligns with its stated commitment to prioritize fiscal responsibility and ensure taxpayer funds are directed toward core agricultural needs. The move reflects broader policy efforts to streamline federal program spending while redirecting resources to initiatives deemed critical for the farming community.
The elimination of DEI-focused awards has sparked discussion on the role of inclusivity initiatives in federal agriculture programs, marking a key shift in resource allocation under the current administration.
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