Rollins Resets USDA Priorities with New Merit-Based Approach

USDA Now Focuses on Fairness and Equal Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Secretary Brooke Rollins, announces a major policy change by removing race and gender preferences from its programs. This decision ends practices that were not required by Congress and aims to make USDA programs fair and based on merit.

The rule change follows a federal court ruling that found the previous administration’s policies violated the Constitution by favoring applicants based on race and gender. No appeal was filed, confirming that the policy was unlawful.

From her first day in office, Secretary Rollins has worked to restore trust in USDA programs. She ordered a full review of how federal funds, including those from the Inflation Reduction Act, are used. Her goal is to ensure that all spending serves American farmers fairly and responsibly.

Secretary Rollins also directed the removal of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within USDA. The department continues to review its policies to make sure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a way that supports agriculture without discrimination.

Leaders in the current administration believe that help for farmers should be based on need and merit—not on race or gender. By ending these rules, USDA is now working to treat all farmers equally.