US Department of Agriculture

US Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), also known as the Agriculture Department, is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for developing and executing federal laws related to farming, forestry, rural economic development, and food. It aims to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production, work to assure food safety, protect natural resources, foster rural communities and end hunger in the United States and internationally.

History

The USDA was established by President Abraham Lincoln on May 15, 1862. Lincoln called it the "people's department." In the 1930s, the USDA underwent a period of reorganization.

Organization

The USDA is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad. The Department is led by the United States Secretary of Agriculture.

Functions

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management. It has a vision to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

See also

• United States Secretary of Agriculture
• Agriculture in the United States
• Food and Drug Administration
• Farm Service Agency

External links

• Official website

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