The Beltsville Area executive team is committed to ensuring the nondiscrimination policy of the Agricultural Research Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

We are committed to ensuring that no employee, applicant or program beneficiary is denied the opportunity to participate in programs and activities implemented by the Area because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. All employees are accountable for providing courteous and equitable treatment to our customers in the way we provide them the benefits and services of our programs.

We expect managers and supervisors to work proactively to identify problems within the workforce and to design strategies to correct them. We are committed to work in "good faith" to resolve complaints of discrimination and to safeguard employees who exercise these rights against reprisal. By word and example, we will set a tone that is intolerant of all forms of harassment.

We are committed to valuing the diversity each of us brings to the work force and to striving toward an environment free of discrimination.

Only a personal commitment and support of this policy by each of us will make the difference.