Agriculture Dept. announces millions in cuts including $230K for ‘Brazilian forest and gender consultant’

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that the department has terminated almost 80 contracts, including those for a Brazilian forest and gender consultant, as well as a Central American gender assessment consultant. These contracts, which were active during the Biden administration, amounted to over $132 million. Rollins also mentioned that over 1,000 contracts are currently under review for potential termination.

The decision to terminate these contracts was based on a review conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. Rollins expressed her appreciation for DOGE’s efforts at the USDA, stating that their work helps make the department more efficient. She emphasized the importance of full access and transparency to DOGE in the upcoming days and weeks.

The terminated contracts included funding for various initiatives such as a diversity, equity, and inclusion onboarding specialist, diversity dialogue workshops, international development for historically underrepresented communities, a Brazilian forest and gender consultant, a women and forest carbon initiative mentorship program, and a Central American gender assessment consultant. Rollins issued a memo rescinding all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs to shift the focus towards unity, equality, and meritocracy.

Moreover, the Agriculture Department canceled numerous employee trainings, with a majority of them focusing on DEI. Other terminated contracts involved projects like training, education, and access to professional and economic opportunities for women in African, Middle Eastern, Latin American, and Caribbean regions, a neighborhood electric vehicle utility van, and a conference room rental for a department meeting on biodiversity in Hawaii.

Additionally, the Agriculture Department cut $277 million for media contracts, including subscriptions to POLITICO Pro. The department is also working on optimizing its workforce by eliminating unnecessary positions, requiring workers to return to the office, and relocating employees to various locations across the nation.

The White House recently announced plans to reduce government spending by eliminating subscriptions to certain news organizations. This move aligns with the Agriculture Department’s goal of streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency. As the department continues to review contracts and make strategic decisions, it aims to create a more cost-effective and productive environment for its employees and stakeholders.