Farm Production and Conservation
Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) is USDA’s focal point for the Nation’s farmers, ranchers, and other stewards of private agricultural and non-industrial private forest lands. FPAC agencies implement programs designed to mitigate the significant risks of farming through crop insurance, conservation programs, farm safety net programs, lending, and disaster programs.
- Farm Production and Conservation Business Center (FPAC-BC)
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Risk Management Agency (RMA)
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services works to harness the Nation’s agricultural abundance to reduce food and nutrition insecurity in the United States. Its operating agency, the Food and Nutrition Service, administers Federal domestic nutrition assistance programs and includes the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers through science-based dietary guidance, nutrition policy coordination, and nutrition education.
Food Safety
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the USDA public health agency responsible for protecting the public’s health by ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products. FSIS ensures food safety through the authorities of the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act, as well as humane animal handling through the Humane Methods of Slaughter Act.
Marketing and Regulatory Programs
Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) facilitates domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products, promotes fair and competitive markets, protects U.S. plant and animal health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and carries out wildlife damage management activities. MRP agencies are active participants in setting national and international standards.
Natural Resources and Environment
The mission of Natural Resources and Environment is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. It carries out its mission in partnership with States, Tribes, and communities across the country who steward the Nation’s forest and grasslands.
Research, Education, and Economics
USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is dedicated to creating a safe, sustainable, competitive, and equitable U.S. food and fiber system. We support American farmers, ranchers, and foresters, and help build stronger communities, families, and youth through sound integrated research, analysis, and education. REE provides credible, data-driven scientific guidance rooted in scientific research, economic data, and statistical analysis through our five component organizations. The “USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026: Cultivating Scientific Innovation (PDF, 21.4 MB),” outlines our highest research priorities and represents the input of both our stakeholders and all 8 of USDA’s mission areas. The Strategy serves to spur innovation and collaboration across the USDA science R&D landscape and with partnering organizations. REE is USDA’s core scientific enterprise and works across the Department and with partners and stakeholders to tackle the world’s most complex agricultural challenges with groundbreaking innovations and discoveries.
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Economic Research Service (ERS)
- National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
- Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS)
Rural Development
Rural Development (RD) fosters opportunity and economic security for people and communities in rural America through a broad range of investments. These investments open doors to better jobs and create access to innovation and technology while promoting the promise of rural prosperity, equity, and climate resilience. The mission area is a catalyst for locally driven economic development strategies that build on the diverse assets and needs of rural places, including improving high-speed internet access; providing affordable rural housing; connecting rural skill sets to jobs of the future; modernizing roads, bridges, and water systems; and ensuring communities have access to healthcare. RD provides tools and resources, such as loans, grants, and strong community partnerships, that ensure rural families, businesses, and communities can prosper today and in the future.
Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs’ (TFAA) role is to provide our farmers and ranchers with opportunities to compete in the global marketplace. TFAA is the Department’s lead on trade policy, with the primary responsibility to ensure USDA speaks with a unified voice on international agriculture issues domestically and abroad. Within TFAA, the Foreign Agricultural Service is the lead U.S. agency tasked with promoting exports of U.S. agricultural products through market intelligence, trade policy, trade capacity building, and trade promotion programs. This work is carried out by staff in Washington as well as a global network of nearly 100 offices covering approximately 180 countries. Also within TFAA, the U.S. Codex Office coordinates U.S. participation in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint intergovernmental body of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization that sets international food standards while protecting consumer health and ensuring fair trade practices.
Staff Offices
Our offices provide support to Department officials and employees at all levels, and they support our programs and services by working with our agencies, Congress, organizations, and tribal governments. To learn more about USDA staff offices, please visit the USDA Staff Offices website for the most current data and information.
Office of the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
The Office of the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (OCDIO) is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across the Department's multifaceted landscape. Tasked with overseeing the implementation of USDA's inaugural DEIA Strategic Plan, the OCDIO, under the leadership of the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, serves as the driving force behind cultivating an environment of belonging and support within the USDA. Through interagency collaboration, the OCDIO champions DEIA advancement across the Department, nurturing a high-performing and innovative workforce that is reflective of the diverse fabric of the nation.
Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement
The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement develops and maintains partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities in the United States, and connects those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through Department of Agriculture programs and initiatives. We facilitate partnerships and offer education and resources to foster opportunity, wealth creation, and asset building in rural and underserved communities.