Deputy ag secretary stepping down

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh introduced she shall be leaving USDA within the coming weeks to spend extra time together with her household. She has held the position 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 we have now completed throughout these first two years.”

Bronaugh is the primary girl 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 packages and assets. She additionally helped established a Chief Variety and Inclusion Workplace inside the Workplace of the Secretary.

In a press release asserting her determination, Bronaugh mentioned it is necessary for folks to know USDA is dedicated to changing into an company that ensures equitable entry. Whereas she concedes constructing and sustaining belief shouldn’t be 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 technology of agriculture leaders that I’ve had the pleasure of assembly at minority-serving land grant establishments throughout the nation, hold working exhausting and dreaming huge,” she mentioned. “I do know the way forward for meals and agriculture is in good palms.”

Previous to changing into undersecretary, Bronaugh was the Commissioner of the Virginia Division of Agriculture and Buyer Service. Throughout her time in that position, she established Virginia’s first statewide program to handle 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 following technology of agriculture leaders. He referred to as her a “champion and associate in some ways” and praised her for working tirelessly to strengthen USDA operations and assist its staff.

“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh has completed loads throughout her tenure at USDA and far of her work shall be felt effectively 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 packages to assist these in want and growing engagement in innovation and analysis key to increasing sustainable agriculture practices.”