Agriculture Department

USDA’s Office of Advocacy and Outreach was established by the 2008 Farm Bill to improve access to USDA programs and to improve the viability and profitability of small farms and ranches, beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers. As such, OAO is split into five key program areas: Socially disadvantaged farmers, small and beginning farmers and ranchers, Higher education institutions program, farm worker coordination, and community engagement.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) was established by the Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972, under the authority of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.) and other authorities. The Service administers standardization, grading, certification, market news, marketing orders, research and promotion, and regulatory programs. The Agricultural Marketing Service includes five commodity programs--Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable, Livestock and Seed, Poultry, and Cotton and Tobacco. The programs provide standardization, grading and market news services for those commodities. They enforce such Federal Laws as the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and the Federal Seed Act. AMS commodity programs also oversee marketing agreements and orders, administer research and promotion programs, and purchase commodities for Federal food programs. The AMS National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents (foreign and domestic) who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards. The AMS Science and Technology Program lends centralized scientific support to AMS programs, including laboratory analyses, laboratory quality assurance, coordination of scientific research conducted by other agencies for AMS, and statistical and mathematical consulting services. The AMS Transportation and Marketing Program brings together a unique combination of traffic managers, engineers, rural policy analysts, international trade specialists, and agricultural marketing specialists to help solve problems of U.S. and world agricultural transportation., provides better quality products to the consumer at reasonable cost, improves market access for growers with small-to medium sized farms, and promotes regional economic development. AMS is part of the Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area. MRP agencies facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and ensure the health and care of animals and plants. MRP agencies are active participants in setting national and international standards.

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) was established on November 2, 1953 under the Secretary of Agriculture’s Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953. ARS is the principal in-house research agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). ARS conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority. It provides information access and dissemination to ensure high-quality safe food and other agricultural products; assess the nutritional needs of Americans; sustain a competitive agricultural economy; enhance the natural resource base and the environment; and provide economic opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole. Research activities are carried out at 103 domestic locations (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 5 overseas locations. Much of this research is conducted in cooperation with partners in State universities and experiment stations, other Federal agencies, and private organizations. National Programs, headquartered in Beltsville, MD, is the focal point in the overall planning and coordination of ARS' research programs. Day-to-day management of the respective programs for specific field locations is assigned to eight area offices. ARS also includes the National Agricultural Library (NAL), which is the primary resource in the United States for information about food, agriculture, and natural resources, and serves as an electronic gateway to a widening array of scientific literature, printed text, and agricultural images. NAL serves USDA and a broad customer base including policymakers, agricultural specialists, research scientists, and the general public. NAL works with other agricultural libraries and institutions to advance open and democratic access to information about agriculture and the Nation's agricultural knowledge.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was reestablished by the Secretary of Agriculture on March 14, 1977, pursuant to authority contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.). The Service was established to conduct regulatory and control programs to protect and improve animal and plant health for the benefit of man and the environment. In cooperation with State governments, the agency administers Federal laws and regulations pertaining to animal and plant health and quarantine, humane treatment of animals, and the control and eradication of pests and diseases. Regulations to prevent the introduction or interstate spread of certain animal or plant pests or diseases are also enforced by the Service. It also carries out research and operational activities to reduce crop and livestock depredation caused by birds, rodents, and predators.

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is a Government-owned and operated entity that was created to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices. CCC also helps maintain balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities and aids in their orderly distribution. The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) was originally incorporated October 17, 1933, under a Delaware charter with a capitalization of $3 million. It was initially managed and operated in close affiliation with the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, which funded its operations. On July 1, 1939, CCC was transferred to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and later reincorporated under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (62 Stat.1070; 15 U.S.C. 714) on July 1, 1948 as a Federal corporation within the USDA. The CCC stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of agricultural commodities and their products, and facilitates the orderly distribution of commodities. CCC also carries out assigned foreign assistance activities, such as guaranteeing the credit sale of U.S. agricultural commodities abroad. Major emphasis is also being directed toward meeting the needs of developing nations. Agricultural commodities are supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to encourage economic development in developing countries. In addition, under the Food for Progress Program, CCC supplies commodities to provide assistance to developing democracies.

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) links the research and education resources and activities of USDA and works with academic and land-grant institutions throughout the Nation. In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES advances a global system of research, extension, and higher education in the food and agricultural sciences and related environmental and human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the Nation. CSREES's programs increase and provide access to scientific knowledge; strengthen the capabilities of land-grant and other institutions in research, extension, and higher education; increase access to and use of improved communication and network systems; and promote informed decisionmaking by producers, consumers, families, and community leaders to improve social conditions in the United States and around the world. These conditions include improved agricultural and other economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more responsible and more productive individuals, families, and communities; and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply. CSREES provides research, extension, and education leadership through programs in plant and animal systems; natural resources and environment; economic and community systems; families, 4-H, and nutrition; competitive research and integrated research, education, and extension programs and awards management; science and education resources development; and information systems and technology management. In 2009, CSREES was reorganized into the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.

The Economic Analysis Staff (EAS) was established on June 15, 1982, by Secretary of Agriculture’s Memorandum 1020-6. The primary responsibility of the EAS was to advise and assist the Assistant Secretary for Economics in fulfilling his responsibility for economic policy review and analysis in the Department of Agriculture. Regulations that related to the organization and functions of EAS at 7 CFR XXXIX were removed in the Federal Register of December 31, 1996 (61 FR 68997).

The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to inform and enhance public and private decisionmaking on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development. Activities to support this mission and the following goals involve research and development of economic and statistical indicators on a broad range of topics including, but not limited to, global agricultural market conditions, trade restrictions, agribusiness concentration, farm and retail food prices, foodborne illnesses, food labeling, nutrition, food assistance programs, worker safety, agrichemical usage, livestock waste management, conservation, sustainability, genetic diversity, technology transfer, rural infrastructure, and rural employment. Research results and economic indicators on such important agricultural, food, natural resource, and rural issues are fully disseminated to public and private decisionmakers through published and electronic reports and articles; special staff analyses, briefings, presentations, and papers; databases; and individual contacts. Through such activities, ERS provides public and private decisionmakers with economic and related social science information and analysis in support of the department's goals of enhancing economic opportunities for agricultural producers; supporting economic opportunities and quality of life in rural America; enhancing the protection and safety of U.S. agriculture and food; improving U.S. nutrition and health; and enhancing the natural resource base and environment.

The Office of Energy and Environmental Policy (OEEP) serves as a focal point for the Department’s energy, environmental markets, and climate change activities, positioning USDA and the people they serve to meet future challenges and opportunities. OEEP coordinates policy analysis, long-range planning, research priority setting, and response strategies for addressing energy development and environmental policy.

The Office of Energy Policy and New Uses (OEPNU) was established in 1999 as a subagency under the Department of Agriculture. The primary role of the OEPNU is to assist the Secretary of Agriculture in developing and coordinating Departmental energy policy, programs, and strategies. OEPNU is responsible for conducting research on the feasibility and economic and market potential of new uses for agricultural products. Current research has been focused on the development of biodiesel fuels, ethanol fuels, and other sources of biomass energy. Since 2009, an important area of analysis by OEPNU has been the integration of renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal) and agriculture. OEPNU in cooperation with the Rural Utilities Service also tracks the potential effects of deregulation of electric utilities on rural communities.

The FPAC Business Center is a first-of-its-kind organization at USDA, combining the talent of employees from all three FPAC agencies into specialized teams that serve employees and customers across the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Risk Management Agency (RMA). This new business approach helps agencies improve operations and efficiency at USDA and boosts support for America’s farmers, ranchers and foresters.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers farm commodity, disaster, and conservation programs for farmers and ranchers, and makes and guarantees farm emergency, ownership, and operating loans through a network of State and county offices.

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) promotes the economic stability of agriculture through a sound system of crop insurance and providing the means for the research and experience helpful in devising and establishing such insurance. Management is vested in a Board of Directors, subject to the general supervision of the Secretary of Agriculture. The corporation takes actions necessary to improve the actuarial soundness of Federal multiperil crop insurance coverage, and apply the system to all insured producers in a fair and consistent manner.

The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) was originally named the Food and Nutrition Service as established under Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Food and Nutrition Service was abolished by the Secretary’s Memorandum 1010-1 dated Oct. 20, 1994. The functions of which were assumed by Food and Consumer Service. In 1998, the Food and Consumer Service was again renamed the Food and Nutrition Service as per the regulation published in the Federal Register of Feb. 26, 1998 (63 FR 9721). The duties of the Food and Consumer and Food and Nutrition Services as stated in the US Government Manual were to administer programs (Food Stamp Program, Special Nutrition Programs, Food Distribution Programs, Supplemental Food Programs, Commodity Supplemental Food Programs, and Nutrition, Education and Training Programs) to make food assistance available to people who need it. These programs were operated in cooperation with State and local governments. For further information on the functions, organization, and activities applicable to the current Food and Nutrition Service, please click on the agency description via this site, or visit the FNS webpage at http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/about.htm. __________ Source: Information taken from U.S. Government Manual, 1996/97 and 2009/2010 editions

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the USDA food assistance programs. These programs, which serve one in six Americans, represent our Nation's commitment to the principle that no one in this country should fear hunger or experience want. They provide a Federal safety net to people in need. The goals of the programs are to provide needy persons with access to a more nutritious diet, to improve the eating habits of the Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by providing an outlet for distributing foods purchased under farmer assistance authorities. The Service works in partnership with the States in all its programs. State and local agencies determine most administrative details regarding distribution of food benefits and eligibility of participants, and FNS provides commodities and funding for additional food and to cover administrative costs.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was established by the Secretary of Agriculture on June 17, 1981, pursuant to authority contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.). FSIS is responsible for ensuring that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Federal meat and poultry inspection is mandatory for cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs, horses (and other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas used for human food. FSIS provides for the inspection of each animal or bird at slaughter and processed products during various stages of production. FSIS inspects all raw meat and poultry sold in interstate and foreign commerce, including imported products. It monitors meat and poultry products after they leave federally inspected plants. FSIS tests samples of egg products and meat and poultry products for microbial and chemical contaminants to monitor trends for enforcement purposes. FSIS provides inspection at Federal facilities for meat, poultry, and egg products, as well as voluntary inspection for animals not covered under mandatory inspection regulations such as buffalo, rabbit, and deer. It monitors meat and poultry products in storage, distribution, and retail channels; and takes necessary compliance actions to protect the public, including detention of products, voluntary product recalls, court-ordered seizures of products, administrative withdrawal of inspection, and referral for criminal prosecution. FSIS also monitors state inspection programs which inspect meat and poultry products sold only within the state in which they were produced.

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, to build new markets, to improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and to provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. FAS has the primary responsibility for USDA's activities in the areas of international marketing, trade agreements and negotiations, and the collection and analysis of international statistics and market information. It also administers the USDA's export credit guarantee and food aid programs. FAS helps increase income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally led economic growth. FAS also enhances U.S. agricultural competitiveness through a global network of agricultural economists, marketing experts, negotiators, and other specialists. FAS agricultural counselors, attaches, trade officers, and locally employed FAS staff stationed in over 90 countries support U.S. agricultural interests and cover 140 countries. In addition to agricultural affairs offices in U.S. embassies, agricultural trade offices also have been established in a number of key foreign markets and function as service centers for U.S. exporters and foreign buyers seeking market information. Reports prepared by our overseas offices cover changes in policies and other developments that could affect U.S. agricultural exports. FAS staff in U.S. embassies around the world assess U.S. export marketing opportunities and respond to the daily informational needs of those who develop, initiate, monitor, and evaluate U.S. food and agricultural policies and programs. In addition to data collection, FAS also maintains a worldwide agricultural reporting system based on information from U.S. agricultural traders, remote sensing systems, and other sources. Analysts in Washington, DC, prepare production forecasts, assess export marketing opportunities, and track changes in policies affecting U.S. agricultural exports and imports. FAS programs help U.S. exporters develop and maintain markets for hundreds of food and agricultural products, from bulk commodities to brand name items. Formal market promotion activities are carried out chiefly in cooperation with agricultural trade associations, State-regional trade groups, small businesses, and cooperatives that plan, manage, and contribute staff resources and funds to support these efforts. FAS also provides guidance to help exporters locate buyers and provides assistance through a variety of other methods. This includes supporting U.S. participation in several major trade shows and a number of single-industry exhibitions each year.

The U.S.Forest Service was established in 1905 under the Transfer Act of February 1, 1905 (16 U.S.C. 472) which transferred the Federal forest reserves and the responsibility for their management from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

The Office of Inspector General was legislatively established in 1978 with the enactment of the Inspector General Act (Public Law 95-452). The act requires the Inspector General to independently and objectively perform audits and investigations of the Department's programs and operations; work with the Department's management team in activities that promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness or that prevent and detect fraud and abuse in programs and operations, both within USDA and in non-Federal entities that receive USDA assistance. The Office also reports OIG activities to the Secretary and the U.S. Congress semiannually as of march 31 and September 30 each year.

The National Agricultural Library (NAL), part of the Agricultural Research Service, is the primary resource in the United States for information about food, agriculture, and natural resources, and serves as an electronic gateway to a widening array of scientific literature, printed text, and agricultural images. NAL serves USDA and a broad customer base including policymakers, agricultural specialists, research scientists, and the general public. NAL works with other agricultural libraries and institutions to advance open and democratic access to information about agriculture and the Nation's agricultural knowledge.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) prepares estimates and reports on production, supply, price, chemical use, and other items necessary for the orderly operation of the U.S. agricultural economy. The reports include statistics on field crops, fruits and vegetables, dairy, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, aquaculture, and related commodities or processed products. Other estimates concern farm numbers, farm production expenditures, agricultural chemical use, prices received by farmers for products sold, prices paid for commodities and services, indexes of prices received and paid, parity prices, farm employment, and farm wage rates. The Service prepares these estimates through a complex system of sample surveys of producers, processors, buyers, and others associated with agriculture. Information is gathered by mail, telephone, personal interviews, and field visits. NASS is responsible for conducting the Census of Agriculture. The Census of Agriculture is taken every 5 years and provides comprehensive data on the agricultural economy down to the county level. Periodic reports are also issued on aquacultures, irrigation, and horticultural specialties. The Service performs reimbursable survey work and statistical consulting services for other Federal and State agencies and provides technical assistance for developing agricultural data systems in other countries.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), part of the executive branch of the Federal Government. Congress created NIFA through the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. NIFA replaced the former Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), which had been in existence since 1994.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS) was originally established by Congress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), NRCS has expanded to become a conservation leader for all natural resources, ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges, like climate change. NRCS works with landowners through conservation planning and assistance designed to benefit the soil, water, air, plants, and animals that result in productive lands and healthy ecosystems. [http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/]

The Office of Operations (OO) is part of the Departmental Management organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The OO provides facilities management services for the agencies and staff offices occupying USDA's Headquarters Complex, the George Washington Carver Center, and USDA leased facilities in the Washington Metropolitan Area. In addition to operating and maintaining the headquarters' infrastructure, the office provides facilities safety programs. Its diverse array of support activities include; facilities safety programs; accessible technology resources and information for all disabled USDA employees; sign language interpreters; ergonomic assessments; environmental quality assessments; occupational health services; architectural design, engineering, construction and hazardous materials abatement; space planning, design and leasing; building alterations and repairs; mail delivery, courier, copier and duplicating services; centralized logistics support for bulk and specialized supply items, personal property, forms and publications. Some of these services are also provided to external Federal agency customers. __________ Source: http://www.dm.usda.gov/oo/aboutoo.htm

The Secretary established the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) to rapidly expand outreach to America’s agricultural community and facilitate greater access to USDA programs. Additionally, OPPE serves as the lead agent for USDA partnership and outreach activities with tasking and reporting authority to direct, coordinate and control all target programs. Programs include all components of the Office of Advocacy and Outreach including Small Farms and Beginning Farmer/Rancher and youth outreach and integration into workforce diversity 2030, Office of Tribal Relations, Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison and supporting Veterans Program Initiative, The Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and any other such programs the Secretary deems essential to serve the interest of USDA.

The Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) is part of the Departmental Management organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). OPPM serves the Secretary and USDA agencies with policy, advice and coordination in acquisitions, procurement and management of real and personal property. In addition it provides oversight and policy in transportation, supply, motor vehicles, aircraft, recycling, and energy conservation. The Office also coordinates USDA’s disaster management and emergency planning response activities. __________ Source: http://www.dm.usda.gov/oppm.htm

The role of USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) is to help producers manage their business risks through effective, market-based risk management solutions. RMA's mission is to promote, support, and regulate sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. As part of this mission, RMA operates and manages the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC). RMA was created in 1996; the FCIC was founded in 1938.

The mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses and sustainable cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace. To meet business credit needs in under-served areas, RBS business programs are usually leveraged with commercial, cooperative, or other private sector lenders.

The Rural Housing and Community Development Service (RHCDS) was established by an act of October 13, 1994 (108 Stat. 3219). The Service operated under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921) and title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471). RHCDS provided loans to rural residents who were unable to get credit from commercial sources at reasonable rates and terms and who had a reasonable chance for success. In addition, The Service guaranteed loans made by commercial lenders for modest rural housing. RHCDS also made direct loans to low-income rural residents. RHCDS was renamed Rural Housing Service as of January 30, 1996.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides affordable rental housing, homeownership opportunities, and essential community facilities to rural Americans through a broad array of direct loan, guarantee, and grant programs. Rural residents and communities may inquire about any of these programs through local and State rural development offices.

On May 7, 1971, the Rural Telephone Bank (Bank) was established by amendment to the RE Act as a source of supplemental financing for telecommunications companies and cooperatives eligible to borrow under the RE Act's telephone loan program. After years of discussion regarding the possible privatization of the Bank, in February 2005, the Board of Directors unanimously approved resolutions to liquidate and dissolve the Bank on August 4, 2005. The liquidation and dissolution process is now largely complete. Stock redemption agreements were sent to over 92 percent of shareholders on January 10, 2006. The Government's Class A stock was redeemed on April 10, 2006; redemption payments to Class B and C shareholders began on April 11, 2006 and were completed by September 30, 2006. The final liquidation payments were made to Class A and B shareholders at the time of liquidation on November 13, 2007. The only action still to be taken is the completion of a final audit. [http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/rtb/index_rtb.htm]

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a credit agency that assists rural electric and telecommunications utilities in obtaining financing and administers a nationwide water and waste loan and grant program to improve the quality of life and promote economic development in rural America. A total of 890 rural electric and 800 rural telecommunications utilities in 47 States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia have received financial assistance. Approximately 7,200 rural communities are currently served through financial assistance received from water and waste loans and grants.

The Office of Transportation is responsible for formulating agricultural transportation policy in USDA and promoting an efficient transportation system that improves farm income, expands exports, and meets the needs of rural America. The Office carries out its programs under Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (52 Stat. 31; 7 U.S.C. 1281), the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 1087; 7 U.S.C. 1621), the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (68 Stat. 454; 7 U.S.C. 1691), the Rural Development Act of 1972 (86 Stat. 657; 7 U.S.C. 1921 note), the international Carriage of Perishable Food Stuffs Act (96 Stat. 1603; 7 U.S.C. 4401), and the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (44 Stat. 802, 803; 7 U.S.C. 451--457).

The U.S. Codex Office is an interagency partnership that engages stakeholders in the development and advancement of science-based food standards for the benefit of the United States and the worldwide community.