The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is committed to providing equal access to its programs, services, and activities. The Department does not discriminate and works to ensure that individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency have access to Department programs and services.
This page provides information about the Department’s accessibility practices, nondiscrimination policy, language assistance services, and complaint procedures.
Accessibility Statement
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture strives to make its website, programs, and services accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
If you experience difficulty accessing any part of our website, digital content, or services, please contact the Department so we can work to provide the information in an accessible format.
Contact for Accessibility, Civil Rights, and Language Access
The Department’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator is responsible for coordinating compliance efforts and responding to inquiries related to accessibility, nondiscrimination, and language assistance.
Kylee Horst
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 501-414-1825
Telecommunications and Assistance Services
Individuals who need reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, or alternative formats may request assistance by contacting the Nondiscrimination Coordinator.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, you may contact the Department through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
The Department provides free aids and services, including written materials in alternative formats such as large print, audio, and accessible electronic formats, to ensure effective communication and meaningful access.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), or low-income status in the administration of its programs or activities or in its hiring or employment practices.
The Department does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group who files a complaint regarding, participates in an investigation or proceeding related to, or otherwise takes action to oppose any practice prohibited by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.
Civil Rights and Federal Compliance
As a recipient of federal funding, the Department complies with all federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, including:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- The Age Discrimination Act of 1975
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
- Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972
- 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7
Title VI also applies to recipients of federal financial assistance that passes through the Department in the form of grants, contracts, or subcontracts, as well as assistance that passes through another state agency to the Department.
The Department’s compliance with Title VI is contingent upon adherence by employees, contractors, subcontractors, and sub-recipients to all applicable laws, regulations, and rules. The Department is committed to ensuring that all employees, contractors, and service beneficiaries are aware of these responsibilities.
Language Access and Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) refers to individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.
The Department provides free language assistance services, including interpreters and translated materials, to ensure meaningful access to programs and activities for individuals with limited English proficiency.
If you need language assistance, please contact the Nondiscrimination Coordinator.
Complaint Procedure
If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a Department program or activity, you may file a complaint with the Nondiscrimination Coordinator.
A complaint should be filed within sixty (60) calendar days of the alleged discriminatory act. The Department may waive this deadline for good cause, in its discretion.
How to Submit a Complaint
Complaints should be submitted by email to:
If you are unable to submit a complaint by email, please contact the Nondiscrimination Coordinator for alternative submission methods.
Required Information
Your complaint should include:
- Your name, address, and telephone number
- If filing on behalf of another person, the name of that person and your relationship
- A detailed explanation of the alleged discriminatory action(s)
- A description of the discrimination and affected parties
- The Department division and employee(s) involved
- The location where the incident occurred
- Any supporting documentation
Complaint Review Process
Within fifteen (15) business days of receiving a written complaint, the Nondiscrimination Coordinator will provide written notice of receipt.
If additional information is needed, the Department will request it. Within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the additional information, the Department will notify the complainant when the complaint is deemed complete.
The Department will determine whether it has jurisdiction and whether the complaint warrants investigation. A complaint may not be investigated if:
- It is unrelated to discrimination
- It is clearly frivolous
- The Department concedes noncompliance and takes corrective action
- The complaint is withdrawn
- The complaint is untimely without good cause
The Department reviews complaints using a preponderance of evidence standard. The Nondiscrimination Coordinator will provide updates throughout the process.
Within 180 calendar days of a complaint being deemed complete, the Department will issue a written response describing the investigation, findings, and resolution.
Official Policy Document
The Department’s official Nondiscrimination and Limited English Proficiency Policy is available below:
Download the Nondiscrimination and Limited English Proficiency Policy (PDF)