U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appointed UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Richard Molinar to a two-year term on the Minority Farmer Advisory Committee, said a USDA news release issued on Friday. Molinar is the only California representative on the roster.

The 15-member committee will advise Vilsack on implementation of outreach and assistance efforts to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, promote the participation of minority farmers and ranchers in USDA programs, and support civil rights activities with USDA.

"The Obama Administration is committed to ushering in a new era of civil rights at USDA," Vilsack was quoted in the release. "This advisory committee will provide guidance that will ensure that all eligible applicants for our programs are served in an equal and fair manner and will enable USDA to enhance opportunities for minority farmers and ranchers."

Under Secretary Vilsack's leadership, USDA is addressing civil rights concerns that go back decades, the release said. It listed the following examples:

• Vilsack communicated his commitment to improving the USDA's record on civil rights during a live webcast with employees on his first day in office.
  
  
• USDA worked with the Department of Justice to enter into a settlement with black farmers.
  
  
• USDA and DOJ settled a class action lawsuit filed by Native American farmers alleging discrimination by USDA.
  
  
• Last month, Vilsack and DOJ announced the establishment of a process to resolve the claims of Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who assert that they were discriminated against when seeking USDA farm loans.

News of Molinar's appointment was picked up by the Fresno Bee, Agri-Pulse.com, and AgNetwork.com.