Secretary of Agriculture Speaks at USDA Employee Black History Luncheon

USDA Secretary Ed Schafer greets employees from NRCS, FSA, and RD at the joint employees Black History luncheon in Nashville.

Secretary Ed Schafer, who was recently confirmed by the Senate to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture, visited Nashville on February 29 where he received a briefing on USDA efforts to help in recovering from the deadly February 5th tornadoes. NRCS State Engineer Robert Anderson reported on debris removal efforts in Macon County, where a dozen people died during the storms. He was joined by representatives from the Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, and Agricultural Extension in briefing the Secretary.

Schafer came to Nashville to speak to conferees at the Commodities Classic at the Opryland Hotel. Shortly after his convention appearance, the Secretary arrived at the federal building where he addressed about 50 employees from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development.

Former NRCS employees Blanche Watson (left) and Barbara Swindell sang as part of the luncheon entertainment.

The employee gathering was a joint luncheon marking Black History month, and it included entertainment from present and former NRCS employees along with recognition of present and past achievements of African American employees at USDA. The luncheon was organized and hosted by Black Emphasis Program Manager Danny Jones, who serves on the NRCS-Tennessee Civil Rights Committee.

Former State Conservationist James Ford was recognized at the Black History luncheon for being Tennessee's first African American State Conservationist.

Schafer told the group that he was happy to be selected as USDA Secretary because of the opportunity it provides him to see the work achieved by USDA employees across the nation. He thanked employees from NRCS, FSA, and RD for all they have accomplished in Tennessee in the aftermath of last year’s cold snap, the summer drought, and the recent deadly storms.

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