This regulation establishes policy for diversity for

internal committee and task force assignments.

Whenever any organizational component of the Department of

Agriculture (USDA) establishes a task force, committee, or

advisory group composed of USDA employees to develop policy

or procedural recommendations, it is essential that the

establishing organizational component fully consider the

needs of all USDA employees, customers, and clients,

including the needs of minorities, women, and persons with

disabilities.

Accordingly, in order to ensure that the recommendations

made by any internal USDA task force, committee, or advisory

group take into account the needs of the diverse groups

served by USDA, membership shall include, to the extent

practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to

represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.