Department of Agriculture, U.S.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was established in 1862 and has a stated mission to [Page 212]provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. The secretary of agriculture, who is appointed by the president of the United States and serves as a cabinet member, administers the policies and programs of the department. This entry provides a brief overview of the mission areas, offices, and agencies that make up USDA, which is a key source for up-to-the-minute information about all issues involving food and agriculture in the United States.

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services strive to strengthen the agricultural economy through the delivery of the commodity, credit, conservation, disaster, and emergency assistance programs.

Farm Service Agency is administered directly by state and county offices. County committee members are elected by local producers to resolve local issues. The committee members certify farmers for farm programs and support loans and pay out subsidies and disaster assistance.

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is primarily responsible for USDA's international activities, including improving foreign market access and the competitive position of U.S. products, building new markets, and providing food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries. FAS coordinates agricultural trade negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative Office.

Risk Management Agency (RMA) is comprised of three divisions: Insurance Services, Product Management, and Risk Compliance. The agency's mission is to promote, support, and regulate risk management to strengthen agriculture's economic stability. RMA manages and operates the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation by approving premium rates, administering subsidies, supporting products, and reinsuring the private sector insurance companies.

Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services works to end hunger and improve health in the United States through federal domestic nutrition assistance, dietary guidance, nutrition policy coordination, and nutrition education.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion develops and promotes dietary guidelines, defines and coordinates nutrition education policy, and translates nutrition research for consumers, policymakers, professionals, and the media.

Food and Nutrition Service provides children and low-income people with access to food and nutrition education through the administration of nutrition assistance programs, such as the Food Stamp Program; the National School Lunch Program; Women, Infants and Children; and the Emergency Food Assistance Program, among others.

Food Safety oversees the commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products to ensure proper safety, labeling, and packaging. The mission area works with the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate a national food safety strategic plan.

Food Safety and Inspection Service sets food safety standards, maintains inspection oversight, monitors recalls of meat and poultry products, and enforces regulatory standards.

Marketing and Regulatory Programs facilitate the marketing of U.S. agricultural products and set national and international standards for the health and care of plants and animals.

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) standardizes, grades, and coordinates the marketing of food, fiber, and specialty crops including cotton, dairy, fruit and vegetable, livestock and seed, poultry, and tobacco. AMS oversees marketing agreements, administers research and promotion, and purchases commodities for federal food programs.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a stated mission to protect and promote U.S. agricultural health through the regulation of genetically engineered organisms, the administration of the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, and the support of wildlife damage management activities. APHIS strives to detect pests and diseases to quickly eradicate outbreaks and minimize threats to the agricultural industry.

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