NEW REPORT DETAILS SUBSTANTIAL CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRESS AT USDA

                                           Release No. 0151.00 
                                                               
                            Mary Beth Schultheis (202) 720-4623
                                  mary_beth.schultheis@usda.gov
                                                               

NEW REPORT DETAILS SUBSTANTIAL CIVIL RIGHTS PROGRESS AT USDA

     WASHINGTON, May 5, 2000   Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
released a new report that demonstrates significant successes in USDA's
efforts to improve its civil rights practices and outreach efforts.  The
report, entitled "Commitment to Progress," documents measurable progress in
hiring and lending, program outreach, customer service, and implementation of
a landmark settlement with African American farmers.  

     "I have no higher priority as Secretary than improving USDA's record on
civil rights and ensuring that all our employees and customers are treated
with fairness, dignity and respect," said Glickman.  "This report shows that
our efforts are having a real impact on USDA's programs and people.  However,
this is not a victory lap, it is a progress report, one that we intend to
build on in the coming years."  

     In April 1999, USDA entered into a class action settlement with African-
American farmers, providing compensation and closure for those who felt they
were wronged by USDA in the past.  To date, about $207 million in payments
have gone to nearly 4130 farmers.  Glickman also announced a new website  
www.usda.gov/da/consent.htm    to provide updated information on
implementation of the settlement.

     The report identifies USDA as the largest single lender for African
American farmers.  USDA significantly increased its farm lending to African
American farmers, up by 67% from 1995 to 1999 for new loans.  Overall, farm
loans to women and minorities increased by 50% from 1997 to 1999.  Progress in
loan delivery included simplification of the loan process, faster loan
processing and reducing barriers for minorities, women and small farmers. 

     Vastly expanded outreach efforts have paid off, according to the report. 
More elected minorities and women are serving and voting on USDA's County
Committees.  From 1998 to 1999, the number of women and minorities elected to
committees increased by 28% and 30%, respectively.  In addition to these
elected members, USDA appointed nearly 1,675 women and minorities to County
Committees in 1999.

     USDA's workforce looks more like America than ever, and the Department's
hiring practices have increased diversity.  In 1999, minorities represented
over 20% of USDA's total employment compared to 17% equivalent representation
in the private sector.  Minorities accounted for one out of four hires the
Department made in 1999.

     More USDA funding and staffing has been dedicated to outreach.  In 1999,
Secretary Glickman appointed USDA's first farmworker coordinator to address
issues facing farmworkers and migrant farmworkers.  In 1999, USDA invested
over $100 million in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, primarily
1890's institutions.  Native American farmers and tribal communities have also
benefitted from new funding to improve the quality of life and promote
economic development in their communities.  

     The report finds that the culture at USDA continues to change, with an
increased emphasis on education, training and accountability on civil rights
issues.  Over 99% of the Department's workforce has completed civil rights
training.  Disciplinary actions continue to be taken against employees for
discrimination or misconduct related to civil rights -- 94 such actions were
taken from January 1998 to March 2000.  

     A recent survey showed 9 out of 10 USDA customers are satisfied with the
service they received, with improvements reported over previous years.  

     For the report, go to website: www.usda.gov/news/civil/cr.html
                                
                               #