Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh introduced she will probably be leaving USDA within the coming weeks to spend extra time together with her household. She has held the function since Could 2021.
“Serving within the Biden-Harris Administration and having the chance to make historical past alongside Secretary Vilsack has really been the best honor of my skilled profession,” Bronaugh mentioned. “I proceed to be in awe of all we have now achieved throughout these first two years.”
Bronaugh is the primary lady of shade to be appointed undersecretary of agriculture. She co-chairs USDA’s lately created Fairness Fee, which advises the company and Congress on methods to take away systemic inequities and enhance entry to applications and sources. She additionally helped established a Chief Variety and Inclusion Workplace inside the Workplace of the Secretary.
In a press release asserting her choice, Bronaugh mentioned it will be significant for individuals to know USDA is dedicated to turning into an company that ensures equitable entry. Whereas she concedes constructing and sustaining belief isn’t straightforward, 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 individuals 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 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 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 subsequent technology of agriculture leaders. He known as her a “champion and accomplice in some ways” and praised her for working tirelessly to strengthen USDA operations and help its workers.
“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh has achieved so much throughout her tenure at USDA and far of her work will probably be felt properly into the long run,” 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.”
