In the three weeks USDA Deputy Ag Secretary Jewel Bronaugh’s been on the job, the USDA continues to focus on COVID recovery. USDA has started to make payments to socially disadvantaged borrowers under the American Rescue Plan, authorizing the Farm Service Agency to pay up to 120 percent of direct and guaranteed loan balances as of January 1. Equity is an area Bronaugh is passionate about, especially after working as the FSA State Executive Director in Virginia. The USDA is aware of the discrimination lawsuits against this new COVID relief, but the agency is pressing forward. “I think this will help address those long-standing issues of racism. We have a great opportunity working through FSA to provide resources to farmers who haven’t been able to get those resources historically.” Hear the interview.