Department of Agriculture (U.S.)

The united states department of Agriculture (USDA) is an executive department of the government of the United States. It has a multi-pronged mission to maintain an adequate supply of food in the country, promote agricultural research, promote the marketing of American farm products at home and abroad, and seek fair prices for farmers and consumers. The secretary of agriculture, the USDA's chief operating officer, is a member of the president's cabinet, and is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. It has been common in the past for presidents to make appointments to the post of agriculture secretary as a reward for farm interests that supported the president's election; however, the president can ask for the secretary's resignation at any time. The deputy ...