The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has at least 22 agencies under it. They assist in implementing USDA policies for the US to meet its goals.
USDA is one of the major federal executive departments responsible for developing and executing federal policies related to farming, agriculture, forestry, and food.
And in order of succession, the Secretary of Agriculture – who oversees USDA – is the 7th to the presidency in the US Cabinet hierarchy.
The Secretary of Agriculture is the eye of the US President at the US Department of Agriculture. To ensure the efficiency and effective delivery and implementation of agriculture policies, there are at least 22 USDA agencies.
What are the agencies of US Department of Agriculture?
Here are the major agencies of USDA:
- Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
- Rural Housing Service (RHS)
- Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
- Rural Development (RD)
- Risk Management Agency (RMA)
- Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
- National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
- FPAC Business Center
- National Agricultural Library
- Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
- Forest Service (FS)
- Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
- Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
- Meat and Poultry Hotline
- Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
- Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Economic Research Service (ERS)
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
What Are The Functions of USDA Agencies
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS):
It supervises the provision of capital for the people in the rural areas and empowering them in activities that will boost their earning potential in agricultural markets and in the bio-based economy
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
RHS majorly focuses on programs that are targeted at improving community facilities in the rural areas.
It carries out its mandate by a way of making loans and grants available for family members, police stations, child care centers, libraries, and schools in rural areas.
Rural Housing Service also partners with non-profit organisations to provide technical assistance for loans and grants.
Rural Housing Service helps the US Department of Agriculture to ensure that Americans living in the rural areas get a better life like their counterparts at the cities across the U.S.
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)
CNPP is one of the notable agencies of the US Department of Agriculture that is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Americans through the development and promotion of dietary guidance that is based on scientific research and meets the nutritional needs of consumers.
CNPP works to translate this research into practical, easy-to-understand recommendations for individuals and families.
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
RUS provides financing to build or improve water and waste treatment, electric power and telecommunications services and other infrastructure in rural communities. The mission of this agency is help expand economic opportunities for the rural residents.
National Agricultural Library (NAL)
NAL houses one of the largest collections of materials related to agriculture and its related sciences in the world.
Researchers, policymakers, and others use the library’s resources to advance the field of agriculture and address issues related to food, nutrition, and the environment.
Rural Development (RD)
The goal of Rural Development (RD) is to improve the quality of life in rural areas by providing Federal assistance through financial and technical resources for the communities to develop and grow.
Risk Management Agency (RMA)
The Risk Management Agency (RMA) works to ensure that farmers have access to the financial resources they need to manage the risks associated with agriculture. RMA provides coverage through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, which helps to promote the stability and welfare of the agriculture industry by providing economic security.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
ARS is an in-house research agency that finds solutions to agricultural problems that affect Americans.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) works in collaboration with other organizations and individuals to promote the conservation, maintenance, and improvement of natural resources and the environment.
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) aims to address societal challenges through investment in and advancement of agricultural research, education, and extension.
NIFA’s support for transformative science helps to ensure the long-term success and global dominance of agriculture in the United States.
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is responsible for collecting and providing objective, reliable, and accurate statistical data and services related to agriculture and rural areas in the United States.
This data is essential for understanding and monitoring changes in the agricultural industry and for implementing farm policy. NASS serves the basic data needs of farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and public officials.
FPAC Business Center
The Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Business Center is a unique organization within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that brings together employees from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) into specialized teams.
These teams provide support and services to employees and customers of all three FPAC agencies. The FPAC Business Center is the first organization of its kind at USDA.
Forest Service (FS)
With nearly 30, 000 employees across the U.S., the Forest Service (FS) is responsible for maintaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the forests and grasslands in the United States, so that they can continue to meet the needs of current and future generations.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
FAS mandate is to work in increasing foreign market access for American products. FAS operates programs that help to create new markets and improve the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in the global market.
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
The function of AMS is to help market agricultural products both domestically and internationally. AMS works to ensure fair trading practices and to promote a competitive and efficient marketplace.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
FSIS mandate is to protect public health by ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products in the United States are safe, wholesome, and correctly packaged. FSIS plays a critical role in enhancing the public’s well-being.
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
The goal of FNS is to work to increase food security and reduce hunger in the United States. It does this by partnership with other organizations by providing children and low-income individuals with access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education.
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The mandate of FSA is to implement agricultural policy, manages credit and loan programs, and oversees conservation, commodity, disaster, and farm marketing programs. It also supports the agricultural industry in the United States.
Economic Research Service (ERS)
The role of ERS is to conduct research on a range of topics related to agriculture and the economy, and communicates its findings through briefings, analyses, market updates, and reports which will be used by policymakers and their staff to inform decision-making.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
The goal of APHIS is to ensure the health and welfare of animals and plants. The agency works to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural industry, and contributes to the economy and public health of the United States.
Conclusion:
The agencies of the US Department of Agriculture may be more than 22 because of other sub-agencies within the department.
References:
- US Department of Agriculture. “Our Agencies”. usda.gov
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. “Animal Health”. aphis.usda.gov