WASHINGTON – Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), Chair of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, issued the following statement in response to an Office of Personnel Management survey that shows a decline in employee engagement at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“I am not surprised USDA experienced the largest decline in employee morale last year and continues to rank almost lowest in employee engagement among all large federal agencies.  Clearly, its misguided decisions are taking a toll on dedicated civil servants.

“I find it deeply troubling USDA’s Office of Civil Rights ranks as the lowest agency subcomponent in employee belief in management’s ability to promote and respect diversity.  My serious concerns about the failure of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Naomi Earp to fulfill her duty to protect USDA employees from racial and gender discrimination are further validated.

“Additionally, the drastic drop in morale and significant staff turnover at the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture are clear reactions to Department decisions to uproot employees and move them to the Midwest.  The low morale will surely impact research critical to farmers and policymakers.

“The mission of USDA is to ‘provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.’   Continued declines in morale across USDA threaten permanent damage to employee development and retention, further distancing the Department from its stated mission.”  

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