The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant budget cuts, terminating 78 contracts that were in effect during the Biden administration, resulting in savings of over $132 million. The decision was revealed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who emphasized the need for efficiency and accountability within the department. This move comes as part of a broader effort to streamline operations, with an additional 1,000 contracts currently under review for possible termination.
The cuts were prompted by a review conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Rollins expressed support for the initiative, stating it would enhance the USDA’s effectiveness and transparency. Among the notable contracts terminated are expenditures for a Brazilian forest and gender consultant, a Central American gender assessment consultant, and various diversity and inclusion training programs.
The terminated contracts included $2.77 million for media subscriptions, including Politico, and $374,000 for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Onboarding Specialist. Other significant cuts include $229,000 for the Brazilian consultant, $29,000 for the Central American consultant, and $121,000 allocated for a mentorship program aimed at women in forest carbon initiatives.
In a further effort to reduce costs, the USDA has canceled 948 employee training sessions, with 758 of those focused solely on DEI topics. Additional training sessions addressing "Environmental Justice" and gender ideology have also been scrapped.
Rollins indicated that the USDA is also planning to optimize its workforce, which may involve eliminating unnecessary positions, encouraging employees to return to the office, and relocating staff to rural areas closer to the communities they serve. This strategic shift aims to improve the department’s connection with American agricultural communities and enhance its operational effectiveness.
As the USDA implements these changes, the focus remains on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely while striving to fulfill its mission more efficiently.