Deputy ag secretary stepping down

 

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh introduced she might be leaving USDA within the coming weeks to spend extra time along with her household. She has held the function since Might 2021.

“Serving within the Biden-Harris Administration and having the chance to make historical past alongside Secretary Vilsack has actually been the best honor of my skilled profession,” Bronaugh mentioned. “I proceed to be in awe of all now we have achieved throughout these first two years.”

Bronaugh is the primary lady of coloration to be appointed undersecretary of agriculture. She co-chairs USDA’s just lately created Fairness Fee, which advises the company and Congress on methods to take away systemic inequities and enhance entry to applications and assets. She additionally helped established a Chief Variety and Inclusion Workplace throughout the Workplace of the Secretary.

In an announcement saying her determination, Bronaugh mentioned it can be crucial for folks to know USDA is dedicated to turning into an company that ensures equitable entry. Whereas she concedes constructing and sustaining belief is just not simple, she says that she has seen first-hand how the division is working every day to construct a extra inclusive path ahead.

“To the younger folks and subsequent era of agriculture leaders that I’ve had the pleasure of assembly at minority-serving land grant establishments throughout the nation, hold working onerous and dreaming huge,” she mentioned. “I do know the way forward for meals and agriculture is in good fingers.”

Previous to turning into undersecretary, Bronaugh was the Commissioner of the Virginia Division of Agriculture and Buyer Service. Throughout her time in that function, she established Virginia’s first statewide program to deal with meals entry inside traditionally marginalized communities.

She additionally beforehand labored with the Farm Service Company and served as dean of agriculture at Virginia State College.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says Bronaugh set a robust instance for the subsequent era of agriculture leaders. He referred to as her a “champion and companion in some ways” and praised her for working tirelessly to strengthen USDA operations and help its staff.

“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh has achieved loads throughout her tenure at USDA and far of her work might be felt nicely into the longer term,” he mentioned. “She has been instrumental in advancing fairness and alternative, strengthening the worldwide commerce relationships that profit our home producers, enhancing meals help applications to assist these in want and rising engagement in innovation and analysis key to increasing sustainable agriculture practices.”