February is Black History Month
 Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The story of Black History Month began in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans.
Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression."
Source: History.com
AMS Black History Month Observance
AMS Civil Rights is hosting a virtual Black History Month Observance: Afrofuturism and Planting the Future: Shaping a Sustainable American Society.
When: Feb. 14
Time: 2 p.m. ET
This presentation by Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, Graduate Director and Associate Professor of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn., will tell the American story and delve into the intersection of Afrofuturism and sustainable development, drawing on the contributions of prominent African American figures from various disciplines to articulate the anticipated transformations in American society over the next two decades.
Colleagues,
Yesterday I was in Memphis, Tenn., at the Cotton and Tobacco (C&T) Program headquarters to introduce Angie Snyder as the program’s new Deputy Administrator. In case you missed it, yesterday’s announcement is below.
It was great to be there with some of the team, and I’m excited for the future of the program under Angie’s leadership.
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Angie Snyder is the new Deputy Administrator for the Cotton and Tobacco Program
Since last year, Angie has been leading the AMS Budget Division. Angie has worked tirelessly to rebuild the division’s staff, working closely with the existing team to recruit, onboard and train new team members while overseeing record levels of funding for new programs being administered across the agency. During her time with the Budget Division, Angie also managed the agency’s work in response to the debt ceiling exercise. Following the pandemic, AMS received nearly $5.9 billion in supplemental funding to provide relief to agricultural industry members and vulnerable communities. The bulk of this funding was destined for grants and cooperative agreements but in May of last year Congress announced plans to recall unobligated funds, so the Budget Division had to work quickly with programs to finalize funding awards before a June deadline. It was a fast and furious project, and the Budget team did an incredible job.
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Photo l to r: C&T Associate Deputy Administrator Monica Alexander, C&T Deputy Administrator Angie Snyder and C&T Associate Deputy Administrator Ronnie Robbins.
Angie has a long tenure with AMS and extensive experience working with so many of our customers. Before her time in the Budget Division, Angie served as the Associate Deputy Administrator of the Fair Trade Practices Program, overseeing Packers and Stockyards, the national bioengineered food disclosure standard, country-of-origin labeling, warehouse and commodity management, and the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act program. Prior to these roles, she served as the Livestock and Poultry Program Associate Deputy Administrator and Director of the Quality Assessment Division, where she managed nationwide voluntary grading services for meat, poultry, and eggs and domestic and export auditing and accreditation services for the livestock, poultry, fish, and fruit and vegetable industries. She also oversaw development of domestic and international standards, mandatory and voluntary market news reporting services, economic and statistical analysis services, food product specification development for Federal food and nutrition assistance programs, seed regulatory testing, and research and promotion programs.
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Photo l to r: Administrator Bruce Summers, C&T Associate Deputy Administrator Monica Alexander, Deputy Administrator Angie Snyder, C&T Associate Deputy Administrator Ronnie Robbins and Associate Administrator Melissa Bailey.
Angie will start with the Cotton and Tobacco program this week. I want to thank C&T’s Associate Deputy Administrators Monica Alexander and Ronnie Robbins for serving as Acting Deputy Administrator. You both did an amazing job leading the program in this interim period, and I know you will have a wealth of knowledge to share with Angie as she assumes the new role. Finally, thank you to the entire C&T team for your continued service and seamless support to our customers.
Bruce Summers
Administrator
NOP Celebrates Publication of Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards Final Rule
by National Organic Program Staff
Photo: NOP staff at the Rulemaking Celebration on the Whitten Patio at USDA HQ.
As the federal regulatory program overseeing organic agriculture, the National Organic Program (NOP) knows rulemaking is a lengthy process that can take anywhere from one to multiple years depending on the complexity of the topic. Having published three significant rules in a little over 18 months, NOP is reflecting on and celebrating our most recent 2023 rulemaking accomplishment, publication of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) Final Rule. OLPS establishes clear, consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, improves uniformity of animal welfare practice requirements, and promotes their well-being and natural behaviors.
Strong consumer interest in and support for the rule from the organic industry helped drive the OLPS rulemaking process over many years and multiple administrations. The NOP Standards Division developed OLPS with input from many people across the department. Devon Pattillo – one of a few constants throughout the process – served as the lead rule writer with help from Johanna Mirenda. Agricultural Economists Jason Edmondson and Adam Diamond completed the rule’s economic analyses. The Nexight Group, an NOP contractor, provided excellent support from start to finish.
Photo l to r: Standards Division Director Erin Healy, NOP Associate Deputy Administrator Andrew Malone, Food Technologist Heather Kumar, Agricultural Marketing Specialist Devon Pattillo, Agricultural Economist Jason Edmondson and Food Technologist Esu Obu took a walk around the Tidal Basin during a visit to D.C.
With publication complete, the team is now directing their focus on education, implementation and enforcement for OLPS and its other two significant rules: Strengthening Organic Enforcement and Origin of Livestock.
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Governor of American Samoa Meets SCI’s Own
by Specialty Crops Program Staff
Photo l to r: Louis Obot (SCI) is pictured with Governor Mauga.
Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga met with Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division Marketing Specialist and Operational Rations (OR) expert Louis Obot while in American Samoa on Jan. 14. Louis was conducting an on-site visit at a processing facility to observe the production of canned tuna for SCI’s Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) program. They both enjoyed a lighthearted moment as the Governor was pleased to learn there is a wider selection of MRE products today than during his 23-year active-duty career in the U.S. Army. SCI provides inspection and verification services to vendors producing items for the Department of Defense’s MRE and Group Rations programs. Our troops need safe and nutritious food options and SCI helps ensure our troops have a healthy supply. AMS is dedicated to supporting our nation’s troops.
SCI Film and Food Event
by Specialty Crops Program Staff
Photo: Screenshot of "Behind the Grade Mark".
The Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division hosted a film and food screening event in the South Building to view a deep cut from within their archives. The 1970s era informational film “Behind the Grade Mark” was commissioned to provide the industry, of the time, with an in-depth perspective of USDA’s inspection and certification services for processed fruits and vegetables.
Photo above: The SCI staff discusses what has changed in performing inspection and certification services over the decades after watching the 1970s era informational film “Behind the Grade Mark.”
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Incorporating DEIA into AMS recruitment strategies is an essential element to building a workforce where innovation and creativity thrive and lead to improved organizational decision-making. For our first monthly “Quick Tips” article, we are sharing some useful tips to embed in your upcoming recruitment efforts.
- Assess short and long-term staffing needs at all levels and define your goals.
- What do you actually need from a new hire to get the job done?
- Match your efforts to your organization's needs.
- What level of experience (educational and professional) is truly needed for the hire? Are you looking to develop someone new or do you need someone who can hit the ground running?
- Utilize new and existing networks and tools.
- Determine your audience (e.g. high school students, veterans, Minority-Serving Institutions, etc.) and use available hiring authorities and flexibilities to find the right talent.
- Help prospective candidates to better understand short and long-term career opportunities.
Make sure applicants know what they’re applying for and why they would want to work for AMS.
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The AMS Compliance, Audit, Risk & Safety (CARS) Division wants employees to know that each week, over 1,000 AMS employees perform work at one or more customer facilities, directly adding value to diverse U.S. agricultural products. While each of these workplaces will have unique working conditions, they must be free of recognized hazards. All federal employees have an equal right to a safe and healthful place of employment – no matter where they report to work. If you work in or support employees working in customer facilities, here are some tips to keep you and other workers safe.
Learn the facility. Emergency evacuation routes and procedures should be posted in each work area. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the facility and nearby exits. Your plant’s safety bulletin board may include additional information related to facility safety and emergency procedures. Regularly review the facility with your supervisor to identify any potential hazards.
Prevent injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guides that you and your supervisor can use to control hazards in your work areas before they cause an injury. Common injuries to AMS employees working in customer facilities are slips, trips and falls or musculoskeletal disorders (like strains) related to lifting. Prevent injuries by implementing work practices like regular clean-up to keep floors free of debris. When lifting, use proper techniques and avoid awkward postures.
Use caution around forklifts. Forklift injuries are common and frequently are very serious. As a pedestrian, you should never assume that a forklift operator can see you. Stay alert while walking or working in areas where forklifts are active and avoid texting, listening to music, or engaging in other distractions. Be aware of the wide rear end swing of a turning forklift and never pass under an elevated load. Learn the procedures for pedestrian behavior and safe forklift operation in your facility.
Report issues immediately. Every employee has a responsibility and a right to report any unsafe or hazardous working condition. Report unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor.
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Detail Position: Acting Chief of Staff for Specialty Crops Program
The Specialty Crops Program (SCP) has a temporary detail opportunity for AMS employees who are looking to serve in a dynamic, fast-paced environment as a GS-13/14 Acting Chief of Staff in the SCP Office of the Deputy Administrator.
In this position, you will provide oversight to a highly visible program. SCP helps buyers and sellers of all sizes in the U.S. produce industry to market their perishable products in the most efficient manner by offering grading, market information, promotion and related services to industry customers. The Chief of Staff supports an array of confidential and administrative assignments; coordinates and prepares internal and external stakeholder meetings; writes/edits communication deliverables, manage correspondence and FOIA requests.
This detail opportunity is full-time beginning approximately Feb.12. If you are interested, please review the full Detail Description Form for documentation requirements. Submit your application package to Christopher Purdy (christopher.purdy@usda.gov) on or before 5 p.m. ET Feb. 2.
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February is National Cancer Awareness Month
Join the Office of Human Resources Management’s (OHRM) Employee Health and Wellness Program to learn how to live well and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as we mark National Cancer Prevention Month with a variety of events for all USDA employees.
National Wear Red Day (activity)
Date: Friday, Feb. 2
About: National Wear Red Day, on the first Friday in February, is an annual campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women. Let's do our part to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans by wearing red on Friday, Feb. 2 and sharing your photo with us by Feb. 9 at healthandwellness@usda.gov.
Cancer Unveiled: Empowering Knowledge for Health (virtual event)
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 6
Time: 1 p.m. ET
About: Cancer affects millions of lives directly and indirectly each year. Join us for this informative webinar, where we will demystify cancer by providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about prevention, early detection, treatment and support.
Mandatory and Annual Anti-Harassment Training
As part of our commitment to making USDA the best place to work, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) continues to focus efforts on creating a workplace culture where each person’s civil rights and civil liberties are protected.
As the nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government must lead in treating all employees with dignity and respect. On behalf of Secretary Vilsack, OASCR is committed to making USDA a healthy workplace where all employees can thrive without being subjected to harassment. In an effort to support the vision of Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Torres Small, we must create measures to eliminate harassment and make USDA the “best place to work.” USDA’s Anti-Harassment Program presents an opportunity to make certain employees feel welcomed, respected and motivated to work in the People’s Department.
The goal of the Anti-Harassment Program is to educate the workforce about workplace harassment and address and eliminate potentially harassing conduct from the work environment, including the virtual work environment. USDA is committed to addressing conduct that could potentially develop into harassment in violation of the USDA Anti-Harassment Policy Statement and DR 4200-003 Anti-Harassment Program.
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To achieve this goal, USDA is establishing annual and mandatory civil rights training in accordance with DR 4120-001 Annual Departmental Civil Rights Training.
Effective Jan. 29, OASCR is releasing USDA’s Anti-Harassment Training for USDA Managers and Supervisors. These courses are mandatory and must be completed in AgLearn by Feb. 29, for all USDA Mission Area, agency head and staff office leaders.
Effective March 4, 2024, OASCR will release USDA’s Anti-Harassment Training for USDA Employees. All USDA employees, contractors, volunteers and those under formal partnership agreements performing work for, or on behalf of, USDA must complete the training. The Anti-Harassment Training applies to all USDA Mission Areas, agencies and staff offices.
As the People’s Department, a harassment-free workplace leads to healthier environments where employees can actively pursue continual improvement and contribute to the great work of USDA. Together, USDA strives to ensure a safe, fair and rewarding workplace for all employees.
Please contact the Mission Area Liaison Division for assistance at MAL.OASCR@USDA.GOV.
2023 W-2 Distribution and Reading Your W-2
The National Finance Center (NFC) is in the process of printing and mailing calendar year 2023 Wage and Tax Statement W-2(s). The mailing process will continue through Wednesday, Jan. 31.
2023 W-2s are available online via NFC’s Employee Personal Page (EPP) as of Jan.10. If an employee’s W-2 is not on EPP, the W-2 is among those that are in suspense and require manual intervention by NFC. As the W-2s are released from suspense, they will be mailed and updated on EPP. This process will continue Jan.10 through Jan. 31. NFC requests that agencies not contact them about W-2s until Thursday, Feb. 1, or later. If you receive your W-2 by mail, we (HR) are asking that employees wait until COB Saturday, Feb.10, to allow the U.S. Postal Service time to deliver W-2s before contacting Leave and Compensation.
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Register Now: 100th Ag Outlook Forum
The Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF) is USDA’s largest and premier annual gathering. The breadth and timeliness of the AOF programs have consistently drawn a diverse group of participants, including producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and non-governmental organizations. It routinely attracts upwards of 1,800 people in person and 4,000-5,000 virtual attendees from the U.S. and around the world.
The 2024 Program will feature a keynote address by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a presentation on the outlook for agricultural markets and trade by USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer, a plenary panel of distinguished guest speakers, and 30 breakout sessions covering a wide range of timely agricultural, food market and environmental issues. More than a hundred experts from government, industry, and academia will share insights on topics such as commodity and food price outlooks, U.S. and global agricultural trade developments, agricultural innovations, climate change, and the bio-economy.
When: Feb. 15-16
This event is in person (Marriott Hotel Arlington, VA) and virtual.
From Surviving to Thriving: Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience
In the face of adversity, the human spirit has an incredible capacity to heal and flourish. This webinar includes information on processing emotions, coping with uncertainty, building resilience, and supporting children after a traumatic event. We’ll also offer guidance on supporting others on a similar path and provide helpful resources.
When: Feb. 14
Time: 1 p.m. ET
*PLEASE NOTE: While registration is required to attend, it does not guarantee entry. We recommend joining early, as space is limited and access is granted on a first arrived, first admitted basis, regardless of how far in advance you register.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary and confidential employee benefit available to eligible federal employees at no cost.
24 HOURS A DAY
800-222-0364
foh4you.com
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Senior Executive Service (SES) Package and Interviewing Skills Training
Would you like to improve your Senior Executive Service (SES) interviewing skills? This course is designed to help leaders understand and prepare for the application process for SES positions. This course is open to GS-14, GS-15, and Foreign Service equivalents only.
Participants will gain better understanding of the SES process, learn about Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), get resumes SES ready and receive tips and feedback during a mock interview with seasoned SES leaders.
Please share this with individuals who you think would benefit from attending.
March 5-7
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*Submissions for The Voice are due by COB Monday in order to publish the same week. All submissions should be sent to AMSVoice@usda.gov for consideration. To sign up for the Voice and other USDA and AMS notifications, select the "Subscribe" link below.
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