3.0: Transparency
Provide an open, responsive, and accountable environment for the purpose of having a more informed public; safe, reliable,
and accessible food supply; health education; and user-friendly technology supporting information about programs.
Other Information:
“A basic tenet of healthy democracy is open dialogue and transparency.” – Peter Fenn Transparency within government can be
defined as opening the Government to citizens by providing information, and therefore promoting accountability. USDA will
provide an open, responsive, and accountable environment for the purpose of having a more informed public; safe, reliable,
and accessible food supply; health education; and user-friendly technology supporting information about programs. Transparency
is an integral guiding principle on how the Department intends to exist as a catalyst for helping the public learn how Government,
USDA, does provide the substantial support that is entrusted to our 110,000 dedicated civil servants to deliver the benefits
to our constituents. Transparency provides a number of concepts that will serve as the guiding philosophy for which USDA perceives
Open Government. The Department will serve as a model of transparency to the American people by accomplishing the [objectives
listed under this goals.] In order to meet its transparency goals, USDA has several ideas, initiatives, and programs that
allow the public to view the Government’s information and data. Each of the Department’s goals provides a different aspect
of transparency to the public, and as a whole, the goals move USDA towards doing its work in an open and transparent manner.
Outcomes – Clarity and Accountability: USDA’s transparency efforts give the public clear insight into its activities. This
process also allows the public to hold the Department accountable for its use of taxpayer dollars. Providing greater accessibility
to data and current information gives the public a better understanding of USDA as an organization. Greater transparency also
provides the public with the tools and information it needs to provide the Department with valuable feedback and suggestions.
Ultimately, it is this kind of citizen feedback that helps us shape our future policies and programs, and become the best
agricultural service provider we can be.
Objective(s):
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