USDA Wants to Hear Every Voice: Opinion by Undersecretary Edward Avalos


Starting on his first day at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Secretary Tom Vilsack committed to improving the Department’s civil rights record and to creating a model service provider for all who need USDA programs.  That assurance has been acted on and continues today with USDA actively seeking new members from traditionally under-served communities for the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee and other consulting boards.

Secretary Vilsack and other senior leaders have reached out to such farmers and ranchers in personal meetings, conference visits and other ways.  The Farm Service Agency has increased the number and dollar amounts of loans obligated to programs dedicated to minority and women farmers and reduced civil rights complaints to the lowest level in the agency’s history.  Across the Department, agencies have established programs to assist beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as Tribal consultation and coordination.  The 2007 Census of Agriculture increased our understanding of the ethnic, racial, and gender diversity of farm operators and the relationship between various agricultural operations and the demographics of the operators.

To ensure the best service to our increasingly diverse agricultural community, the USDA maintains numerous advisory boards, composed of various interested groups’ representation, to make recommendations regarding policies, rules, and programs.  The USDA invites advisory board participation for its programs to all interested parties, particularly those traditionally underrepresented in USDA programs.

A current opportunity exists on the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee, which advises on the activities, policies and research needed to conduct wildlife services, a program within USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Wildlife Services assists where wildlife cause damage or conflict with people.  This ranges from verifying and managing livestock depredation by predators to offering advice on limiting bird damage to aquaculture and crop operations. With independent state offices, the program responds to local requests with most direct assistance covered by user fees.

In December, 15 of the 20 Committee advisors were announced representing varied agricultural, animal welfare and wildlife interests.  USDA is seeking nominations for five open positions. To obtain the broadest possible representation, appointments will follow equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies.

More than 4,000 opportunities are routinely available to serve on USDA boards as members’ terms expire. More information about the committees and the nominating process is available at http://go.usa.gov/4r4H.



Make a difference. Volunteer to serve on USDA advisory boards or nominate someone from your farming or ranching interests to make your voices heard.  Consider starting with the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee.  For information on serving or making nominations, see the Federal Register at 2013-00195 or contact (301)851-4009.