Tractor Supply Co. Eliminates DEI Roles, Pride Support and Carbon Emissions Goals

Tractor Supply Co. communicated via a press release last week that it is eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion roles; withdrawing carbon emission goals; and walking back support for the LGBTQ+ community as part of sweeping changes to environmental, social and governance initiatives. More specifically, the retailer of home improvement equipment, livestock and agricultural supplies for farmers and pet owners said moving forward it will:

1. 1. No longer submit data to the Human Rights Campaign (an LGBTQ+ advocacy group).
   2. Refocus our team member engagement groups on mentoring, networking and supporting the business.
   3. Further focus on rural America priorities including agricultural education, animal welfare, veteran causes and being a good neighbor, and stop sponsoring nonbusiness activities like pride festivals and voting campaigns.
   4. Eliminate DEI roles and retire our current DEI goals while still ensuring a respectful environment.
   5. Withdraw our carbon emission goals and focus on our land and water conservation efforts.

Tractor Supply said it’s making the changes to better represent the values of the communities and customers it serves. The retailer caters to largely rural communities, with 50,000 employees across 2,250 stores in 49 states, according to company data.

“Rural communities are the backbone of our nation and what make America great,” Tractor Supply said in the news release. “We have heard from customers that we have disappointed them. We have taken this feedback to heart.”

Tractor Supply said it has invested millions of dollars in veteran causes, state fairs, animal shelters, rodeos and farmers markets and that it invests in the future of rural America by being the largest supporter of FFA, a nonprofit that promotes agricultural education for middle and high schoolers.