Women leaders are driving equity to forge change within the agricultural sector

 March 07, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

USDA has a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve its Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

This vision is driven by some impressive women leaders at USDA who work to forge change within the agricultural sector. 

A commitment to embracing equity and diversity

Meet Marcia Bunger [pictured above], Administrator of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). Prior to her appointment, she served as a County Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

Marcia is also the owner and operator of a 2000-acre farm and the first member of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and first woman to serve as RMA Administrator.

"It’s Women’s History Month and I am proud to work alongside so many great women leaders at USDA," commented Marcia.

"When I was asked last year to lead the Risk Management Agency it came as a surprise. Living far from the Washington Beltway in South Dakota, in a rural area, I could not imagine why this administration would want me to head an agency of such importance. I am not a well-known political leader or influencer. However, this administration made a commitment to embrace diversity. They decided in the best interest of this Nation to seek out qualified women for important roles," says Marcia.

"And choosing me did come down to some important qualifications, including 40 years of operating a farm, serving as a county executive for the Farm Service Agency, working in the private sector, and my belief that Federal crop insurance is invaluable to the success of any ag operation," explains Marcia.

"This administration’s decision to choose me is a testament not to me, but to this administration's commitment to ALL women. They recognize the value of women in agriculture and what women continue to do throughout time - their day-to-day work, supporting partners, and their desires to make things better for their families. Sometime during Women’s History Month , please find a moment to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of women to society and in our personal lives," adds Marcia.