WAIS Document Retrieval

[DOCID:172481tx-31]
From the Government Manual Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Page 109-142]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone, 202-720-2791

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE Dan Glickman
Deputy Secretary Richard Rominger
Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Dallas Smith,
Agricultural Services Acting
Deputy Under Secretaries Dallas Smith
James Schroeder
Administrator, Farm Service Agency Randy Weber,
Acting
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Gus Schumacher
Service
Administrator, Risk Management Ken Ackerman
Agency
Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Mary Ann Keeffe,
Consumer Services Acting
Deputy Under Secretary Mary Ann Keeffe
Administrator, Food and Consumer Bill Ludwig
Service
Under Secretary for Food Safety Thomas Billy,
Acting
Administrator, Food Safety and Thomas Billy
Inspection Service
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and James Lyons
Environment
Deputy Under Secretary for Forestry Brian E. Burke
Deputy Under Secretary for Tom Hebert
Conservation
Chief, Forest Service Mike Dombeck
Chief, Natural Resources Paul W. Johnson
Conservation Service
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Catherine Woteki,
Economics Acting
Deputy Under Secretary Floyd Horn
Administrator, Agricultural Research Edward B.
Service Knipling,
Acting
Administrator, Cooperative State Bobby H. Robinson
Research, Education, and
Extension Service
Administrator, Economic Research Susan E. Offutt
Service
Administrator, National Agricultural Donald Bay
Statistics Service
Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long-Thompson
Deputy Under Secretaries Arthur C. Campbell
Inga Smulkstys
Administrator, Rural Business- Dayton Watkins
Cooperative Service
Administrator, Rural Housing Service Jan Shadburn,
Acting
Administrator, Rural Utilities Wally Beyer
Service

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Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Dave Carlin
Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Michael Dunn
Programs
Deputy Assistant Secretary Shirley Watkins
Administrator, Agricultural Lon Hatamiya
Marketing Service
Administrator, Animal and Plant Terry Medley
Health Inspection Service
Administrator, Grain Inspection, James R. Baker
Packers, and Stockyards
Administration
Assistant Secretary for Administration Pearlie S. Reed,
Acting
Deputy Assistant Secretary Christine Pytel,
Acting
Chairman, Board of Contract Appeals Edward Houry
Judicial Officer William G. Jenson
Chief Judge, Administrative Law Victor Palmer
Judges
Director, Office of Operations Priscilla Carey,
Acting
Director, Civil Rights Lloyd E. Wright,
Acting
Director, Human Resources Management Roger L. Bensey
Director, Procurement and Property W.R. Ashworth
Management
Chief Information Officer Anne F. Thomson Reed
Deputy Chief Information Officer Ira L. Hobbs
Chief Financial Officer Irwin T. David, Acting
Deputy Chief Financial Officer Irwin T. David
General Counsel James Gilliland
Deputy General Counsel Bonnie Luken
Inspector General Roger C. Viadero
Deputy Inspector General Joyce N. Fleischman
Director, Office of Communications Thomas S. Amontree
Chief Economist Keith Collins
Director, Office of Risk Assessment Alwynelle S. Ahl
and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Chairman, World Agricultural Outlook Gerald Bauge
Board
Director, Office of Budget and Program Analysis Stephen B. Dewhurst
Director, National Appeals Division Norman Cooper
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Sharron Harris
Business Utilization
Director, Office of the Executive Secretariat Lynne Finnerty

[For the Department of Agriculture statement of organization, see the
Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 2]

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Department of Agriculture works to improve and maintain farm income
and to develop and expand markets abroad for agricultural products. The
Department helps to curb and to cure poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.
It works to enhance the environment and to maintain production capacity
by helping landowners protect the soil, water, forests, and other
natural resources. Rural development, credit, and conservation programs
are key resources for carrying out national growth policies. Department
research findings directly or indirectly benefit all Americans. The
Department, through inspection and grading services, safeguards and
ensures standards of quality in the daily food supply.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) was created by act of May 15, 1862
(7 U.S.C. 2201), and was administered by a Commissioner of Agriculture
until 1889

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<GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>

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(5 U.S.C. 511, 514, 516). By act of February 9, 1889 (7 U.S.C. 2202,
2208, 2212), the powers and duties of the Department were enlarged. The
Department was made the eighth executive department in the Federal
Government, and the Commissioner became the Secretary of Agriculture.
The Department was reorganized under the Federal Crop Insurance Reform
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901
note).
In carrying out its work in the program mission areas, USDA relies
on the support of departmental administration staff, as well as the
Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Communications, Office
of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the
Inspector General, and the Office of the General Counsel.

Rural Development

The rural development mission of USDA is to assist rural Americans in
using their abilities to improve their quality of life. To accomplish
this, USDA works to foster new cooperative relationships among
Government, industry, and communities. The mission is carried out by the
Rural Housing Service, which includes rural housing and rural community
facility loan and grant programs; the Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, which includes business and cooperative development programs;
and the Rural Utilities Service, which includes telephone, electric,
water, and sewer programs. Approximately 1,580 rural development field
offices provide frontline delivery of all rural development loan and
grant programs at the local level.
The Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Initiative Office
provides technical assistance, training, monitoring, and support to USDA
field staff and communities participating in the initiative. Focusing on
communities of greatest need, with severe problems of long-term endemic
poverty, the program works with other USDA agencies, Federal agencies,
State and local governments, and private organizations and universities
in a combined effort to develop and promote comprehensive community and
economic development in rural America.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

The mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to
enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing
leadership in building competitive businesses and cooperatives that can
prosper in the global marketplace. To meet business credit needs in
under-served areas, RBS business programs are usually leveraged with
commercial, cooperative, or other private sector lenders. RBS business
programs include:

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans This program helps create jobs
and stimulates rural economies by providing financial backing for rural
businesses. The program guarantees up to 80 percent of a loan made by a
commercial lender. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital,
machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate, and certain types of
debt refinancing. Loan guarantees can be extended to loans made by
commercial or other authorized lenders in rural areas (all areas other
than cities of more than 50,000 people and their immediately adjacent
urban or urbanizing areas).
Assistance under the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
is available to virtually any legally organized entity, including a
cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other profit or
nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group,
municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a State.

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Applicants need not have been denied credit elsewhere to apply for this
program. The maximum aggregate guaranteed loan(s) amount that can be
offered to any one borrower under this program is $25 million.

Business and Industry Direct Loans This program provides loans to
public entities and private parties who cannot obtain credit from other
sources. Loans to private parties can be made for improving, developing,
or financing business and industry, creating jobs, and improving the
economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including
pollution abatement. Assistance is available in rural areas (all areas
other than cities of more than 50,000 people and their immediately
adjacent urban or urbanizing areas).
Eligible applicants include any legally organized entity, including
a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other profit or
nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group,
municipality, county, any other political subdivision of a State, or
individuals. Loans are available to those who cannot obtain credit
elsewhere and for public bodies. The maximum aggregate loan amount that
can be offered to any one borrower is $10 million.

Intermediary Relending Program Loans These loans finance business
facilities and community development projects in rural areas, including
cities with populations of less than 25,000. The Service lends these
funds to intermediaries, which in turn provide loans to recipients who
are developing business facilities or community development projects.
Eligible intermediaries include public bodies, nonprofit corporations,
Indian tribes, and cooperatives.

Rural Venture Capital Demonstration Program To demonstrate the
usefulness of guarantees to attract increased investment in private
business enterprises in rural areas, this program designates up to 10
community development venture capital organizations to establish a rural
business private investment pool to make equity investments in rural
private business enterprises. The program is available in rural areas
(all areas other than cities of more than 50,000 people and their
immediately adjacent urban or urbanizing areas).

Rural Business Enterprise Grants These grants help public bodies,
nonprofit corporations, and federally recognized Indian tribal groups
finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private
business enterprises located in rural areas (all areas other than cities
of more than 50,000 people and their immediately adjacent urbanized or
urbanizing areas). Grant funds can pay for the acquisition and
development of land and the construction of buildings, plants,
equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility and service
extensions, refinancing, and fees for professional services, as well as
technical assistance and related training, startup costs and working
capital, financial assistance to a third party, production of television
programs targeted to rural residents, and rural distance learning
networks.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants This program promotes sustainable
economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. Funds
are provided for technical assistance, training, and planning activities
that improve economic conditions. Applicants must be located in rural
areas (all areas other than cities of more than 50,000 people and their
immediately adjacent urban or urbanizing areas). Nonprofit corporations
and public bodies are eligible for a maximum of $1.5 million per grant.

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants These loans and grants
finance economic development and job creation projects based on sound
economic plans in rural areas having a population of less than 2,500
residents. Loans and grants are available to any Rural Utilities Service
electric or telecommunications borrower to assist in developing rural
areas from an economic standpoint, to create new job opportunities, and
to help retain existing employment. Loans at zero interest are made
primarily to

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finance business startup ventures and business expansion projects.
Grants are made to telephone and electric utilities to establish
revolving loan programs operated at the local level. The revolving loan
program provides capital to nonprofit entities and municipal
organizations to finance community facilities which promote job creation
in rural areas; for facilities which extend or improve medical care to
rural residents; and for facilities which promote education and training
to enhance marketable job skills for rural residents.

Cooperative Services This program helps farmers and rural communities
become self-reliant through the use of cooperative organizations.
Studies are conducted to support cooperatives that market farm products,
purchase production supplies, and perform related business services.
These studies concentrate on the financial, organizational, legal,
social, and economic aspects of cooperative activity. Technical
assistance and research is provided to improve cooperative performance
in organizing new cooperatives, merging existing cooperatives, changing
business structures, and developing strategies for growth. Applied
research is conducted to give farmers and rural communities expert
assistance pertaining to their cooperatives. The program also collects
and publishes statistics regarding the role and scope of cooperative
activity in U.S. agriculture. The Service's bimonthly magazine, Rural
Cooperatives, reports current developments and research for cooperative
management leadership.

Rural Cooperative Development Grants These grants finance the
establishment and operation of centers for cooperative development. The
primary purpose of this program is to enhance the economic condition of
rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving
operations of existing cooperatives. Eligible applicants are nonprofit
organizations, including institutions of higher education.

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas This program provides
information to farmers and other rural users on a variety of sustainable
agricultural practices that include both cropping and livestock
operations. It offers reliable, practical information on production
techniques and practices that reduce costs and that are environmentally
friendly. Farmers can request such information by telephone at 800-346-
9140 (toll-free).

National Sheep Industry Improvement Center The Center promotes
strategic development activities to strengthen and enhance the
production and marketing of sheep and goat products in the United
States. It works to improve infrastructure development, business
development, and market and environmental research and designs unique
responses to the needs of the industries for their long-term sustainable
development. The Center's board of directors oversees its activities and
operates a revolving fund for loans and grants.

For further information, contact Rural Development, Office of
Communication, Public Affairs, Room 5037-S, Department of Agriculture,
Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-
0320. Phone, 202-720-6903.

Rural Housing Service

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides loans to rural residents and
communities unable to obtain credit from commercial sources at
reasonable rates and terms. These borrowers must have a reasonable
chance for success. The Service guarantees loans made by commercial
lenders for modest rural housing. It also makes direct loans to low-
income rural residents. Rural residents and communities may apply for
these loans at approximately 1,580 local Rural Development offices.
The Service operates under Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42
U.S.C. 1471) and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1921). It seeks to do business as the lender of first opportunity
rather than the lender of last resort.
The Service provides financial and management assistance through the
following types of loans:

Guaranteed Single-Family Housing (SFH) Loan Programs The Service

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guarantees loans made by commercial lenders to moderate-income rural
residents. Eligible applicants must have sufficient income and
acceptable credit but lack the downpayment to secure a loan without
assistance. The Service provides up to 100 percent financing for
eligible borrowers and guarantees participating lenders against most
losses.

Direct Single-Family Housing Loan Program Section 502 loans are made to
very low and low income families for housing in rural areas. Loans can
be made to build, purchase, repair, and refinance homes. The maximum
term is 38 years. Loans may be made for 100 percent of the appraised
value. The basic interest rate is determined periodically, based on the
cost of money. Borrowers may qualify for annual subsidy on the loan,
which can reduce the interest rate to as low as 1 percent. Cosigners on
promissory notes may be permitted for applicants who may lack repayment
ability.
Builders may obtain ``conditional commitments'' as assurances to a
builder or seller that if their houses meet RHS lending requirements,
RHS may make loans to qualified applicants.

Home Improvement and Repair Loans and Grants An owner-occupant may
obtain a section 504 loan of up to $15,000, or in the case of senior
citizens, a grant of up to $7,500, to remove health and safety hazards
from a home. These loans, available to very low income families, are
made at 1 percent interest.

Self-Help Housing Loans Self-help direct SFH loans assist groups of six
to eight very low and low income families to build their own home by
providing materials and the skilled labor which they cannot furnish
themselves. The families must agree to work together on each other's
homes until they are complete. Rates and terms are the same as the
direct SFH program.

Rural Housing Site Loans Loans are also available to private or public
nonprofit organizations to purchase sites for the development of housing
for very low and low income families. Loans are repayable in 2 years.
Direct and Guaranteed Multi-Family Housing Loans Loans are made to
private, nonprofit corporations, consumer cooperatives, State or local
public agencies, and individuals or organizations operating on a profit
or limited profit basis to provide rental or cooperative housing in
rural areas for persons of very low, low, and moderate income. For
direct loans, no downpayment is required from nonprofit organizations. A
3 or 5 percent downpayment is required from other applicants. The
maximum term is 50 years, and the interest rate may be reduced to 1
percent to make rents affordable to very low and low income families.
Rental assistance may be available to defray rent paid by very low
income families. Guaranteed loans bear an interest rate negotiated by
the lender and borrower. Interest credit is available on a small number
of loans to assist with affordability to very low income families.

Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants Farm labor housing loans and grants
enable farmers, public or private nonprofit organizations, or units of
local government to build, buy, or rehabilitate farm labor housing. The
interest rate is 1 percent and is repaid over 33 years. Grants may be
made in connection with a loan to a public/private nonprofit
organization or unit of government to ensure affordability of the units
to farm workers.

Housing Preservation Grants These grants are made to a public body or
public/private nonprofit organization to provide assistance to
homeowners and landlords to repair and rehabilitate housing for very low
and low income families in rural areas. Financial assistance provided by
grantees may include loans, grants, interest reduction on commercial
credit, or similar assistance. Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used
for program administration.

Housing the Homeless The Service offers SFH real-estate-owned property
to nonprofit organizations or public bodies for transitional housing for
the homeless. Qualifying organizations may lease nonprogram property if
they can show a documented need in the community for

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the type of housing use proposed and the financial ability to meet
proposed housing costs.

Community Program Loans Direct and guaranteed loans and grants are
authorized to public and quasi-public bodies, nonprofit associations,
and certain Indian tribes for essential community facilities such as
health care, public safety, and public services. Necessary related
equipment may also be purchased. The interest rate is set quarterly for
direct loans and is based on yields of municipal bonds. Guaranteed loans
bear an interest rate negotiated by the lender and the borrower. The
Service guarantees a lender against losses up to 90 percent of principal
and interest. Community facility assistance may be provided to towns
populated up to 20,000. Nondiscrimination in employment and occupancy is
required.

Rural Utilities Service

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a credit agency that assists rural
electric and telephone utilities in obtaining financing and administers
a nationwide water and waste loan and grant program to improve the
quality of life and promote economic development in rural America. A
total of 890 rural electric and 900 rural telephone utilities in 47
States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States
of Micronesia have received financial assistance. Approximately 7,200
rural communities are currently served through financial assistance
received from water and waste loans and grants.

Electric Program The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7
U.S.C. 901-950b), authorizes RUS to provide loans for improving electric
service to persons in rural areas, as defined by the Bureau of the
Census. Preference is given to nonprofit and cooperative associations
and to public bodies. With RUS assistance, rural electric utilities have
obtained financing to construct electric generating plants and
transmission and distribution lines to provide reliable electric
service.

Telecommunications Program In 1949, RUS (then the Rural Electrification
Administration) was authorized to make loans to provide telephone
service in rural areas. Congress directed that the rural telephone
program be conducted to ``assure the availability of adequate telephone
service to the widest practicable number of rural users of such
service.'' About 75 percent of the telephone systems financed by the
agency are commercial companies, and about 25 percent are subscriber-
owned cooperatives.

Loans Loans are made in accordance with the Act and are subject to the
provisions of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1991. By law, RUS direct
loans are made or insured at a municipal rate, but not greater than 7
percent. In cases of hardship, the Administrator may approve loans at an
interest rate of 5 percent.
The Service also obtains funds from the Department of the Treasury's
Federal Financing Bank (FFB), which it lends to borrowers, primarily for
large-scale electric and telecommunication facilities, at an interest
rate equal to the cost of money paid by FFB, plus one-eighth of 1
percent.

Supplemental Financing A 1973 statement of congressional policy--not
part of the law--said, in part, ``. . . that rural electric and
telephone systems should be encouraged and assisted in developing their
resources and ability to achieve the financial strength needed to enable
them to satisfy their credit needs from their own financial
organizations and other sources at reasonable rates and terms consistent
with the loan applicant's ability to pay and achievement of the act's
objectives.''
When RUS approves electric loans, it requires most borrowers to
obtain 30 percent of their loan needs from nonagency sources without an
agency guarantee. These nonagency sources include the National Rural
Utilities

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Cooperative Finance Corporation, which is owned by electric
cooperatives, and the National Bank for Cooperatives.
Telecommunications borrowers obtain supplemental financing from the
Rural Telephone Bank (RTB), a U.S. agency established in 1971. Loans are
made to telecommunications systems able to meet RTB requirements. Bank
loans are made for the same purposes as loans made to RUS but bear
interest at a rate consistent with the Bank's cost of money.
The Rural Telephone Bank is managed by a 13-member board of
directors. The Administrator of RUS serves as Governor of the Bank until
conversion to private ownership, control, and operation. This will take
place when 51 percent of the class A stock issued to the United States
and outstanding at any time after September 30, 1995, has been fully
redeemed and retired. The Bank board holds at least four regularly
scheduled meetings a year. Activities of RTB are carried out by RUS
employees and the Department's Office of the General Counsel.

Water and Waste Direct and Guaranteed Loan Program Direct loans may be
made to develop water and wastewater systems, including solid waste
disposal and storm drainage, in rural areas, cities, and towns with a
population of 10,000 or less.
Funds are available to public entities, such as municipalities,
counties, special-purpose districts, and Indian tribes. In addition,
funds may be made available to nonprofit corporations. Priority is given
to public entities in areas with less than 5,500 people to restore a
deteriorating water supply or to improve, enlarge, or modify a water
facility or an inadequate waste facility. Preference is given to
requests which involve the merging of small facilities and those serving
low-income communities. Applicants must be unable to obtain funds from
other sources at reasonable rates and terms. The maximum term for all
loans is 40 years. However, no repayment period will exceed State
statutes or the useful life of the facility. Interest rates may be
obtained from USDA Rural Development field offices.
Guaranteed loans may be made for the same purpose as direct loans.
They are made and serviced by lenders such as banks and savings and loan
associations. Normally, guarantees will not exceed 80 percent on any
loss of interest or principal on the loan.

Water and Waste Disposal Grants Grants may be made to reduce water and
waste disposal costs to a reasonable level for users of the system.
Grants may be made, in some instances, up to 75 percent of eligible
project costs. Requirements for applicants are the same as for loans.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants Grants may be made up to
100 percent of project costs to assist rural communities experiencing a
significant decline in quantity or quality of drinking water. Grants can
be made to rural cities or towns with populations not exceeding the
State's nonmetropolitan median household income requirement.

Technical Assistance and Training Grants Grants are available for
nonprofit organizations to provide rural water and waste system
officials with technical assistance and training on a wide range of
issues relating to the delivery of water and waste service to rural
residents. Legislation requires that at least 1 percent but no more than
3 percent of the funds appropriated for water and waste disposal grants
be set aside for these grants.

Solid Waste Management Grants Grants are available for nonprofit
organizations and public bodies to provide technical assistance and
training to rural areas and towns with populations under 10,000 to
reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning
and management of solid waste facilities.

Rural Water Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program Since 1980, the
National Rural Water Association has provided, by contract, technical
assistance to rural water systems. Circuit riders assist rural water
districts with solving operational, financial, and management problems.
The assistance may be requested by rural water systems

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or by RUS. When circuit riders are not working on specific requests,
they call on rural water systems to offer assistance. The program
complements RUS water and waste loan supervision responsibilities.

Distance Learning and Medical Link Grant Program This program was
established by the Rural Economic Development Act of 1990, which gave
borrowers authority to defer RUS loan payments to make investments in
rural development.

For further information, contact the Rural Utilities Service, Department
of Agriculture, Room 4051-S, Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-1255.

Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Center

As an independent entity within USDA, the Alternative Agricultural
Research and Commercialization Center (AARC) provides and monitors
financial assistance for the development and commercialization of new
nonfood and nonfeed products made from agricultural/forestry
commodities. By law, AARC is administered by a 9-member board comprising
representatives for processing, financial, producer, and scientific
interests.
The Center's mission is to assist the private sector in closing the
gap between research results and commercialization of industrial nonfood
and nonfeed products made from farm and forestry materials. It also
seeks to expand market opportunities through development of value-added
industrial products and promotion of environmentally friendly products.
Any private individual or firm may apply for assistance. While most of
the Center's clients are small firms, nonprofit organizations and large
businesses have also been successful applicants. Universities and
similar institutions may participate as well.
The Center can supply financial assistance at the
precommercialization stage of a project--that point in a project when
the costs are the greatest and the ability to obtain lending from
traditional sources is the most difficult. Financial assistance is in
the form of a repayable cooperative agreement and includes a repayment
portion that recognizes the investment risk taken by AARC. Applicants
are expected to provide at least a 1:1 match when seeking funding from
AARC. The Center receives an annual appropriation from Congress and
operates under a revolving fund. As Center-funded projects become
profitable and reimburse AARC, the money will be returned to the fund to
help finance future projects.

For further information, contact the Alternative Agricultural Research
and Commercialization Center, Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue
SW., Cotton Annex, Second Floor Mezzanine, Washington, DC 20250-0400.
Phone, 202-690-1634.

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

This mission area includes marketing and regulatory programs other than
those concerned with food safety.

Agricultural Marketing Service

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) was established by the
Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972, under the authority of
Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.) and other authorities.
The Service administers standardization, grading, inspection,
certification, market news, marketing orders, and research, promotion,
and regulatory programs.

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Market News The Service provides current, unbiased information to
producers, processors, distributors, and others to assist them in the
orderly marketing and distribution of farm commodities. Information is
collected on supplies, demand, prices, movement, location, quality,
condition, and other market data on farm products in specific markets
and marketing areas. The data is disseminated nationally via a modern
satellite system and is shared with several countries. The Service also
assists countries in developing their own marketing information systems.

Standardization, Grading, and Classing Grade standards have been
established for nearly 240 agricultural commodities to help buyers and
sellers trade on agreed-upon quality levels. Standards are developed
with the benefit of views from those in the industries directly affected
and others interested. The Service also participates in developing
international standards to facilitate trade.
Grading and classing services are provided to certify the grade and
quality of products. These grading services are provided to buyers and
sellers of live cattle, swine, sheep, meat, poultry, eggs, rabbits,
fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy products, and tobacco.
Classing services are provided to buyers and sellers of cotton and
cotton products. These services are mainly voluntary and are provided
upon request and for a fee. The Service also is responsible for the
certification of turpentine and other naval stores products, and the
testing of seed.

Laboratory Testing The Service provides scientific and laboratory
support to its commodity programs relating to testing of microbiological
and chemical factors in food products through grading, certification,
acceptance, and regulatory programs; testing of peanuts for aflatoxin;
testing of imported flue-cured and burley tobacco for pesticide
residues; and testing seeds for germination and purity. The agency also
carries out quality assurance and safety oversight activities with
respect to the Service's commodity division laboratory and testing
activities relating to milk market administrators, resident grading
programs, and State and private laboratory programs.
The Service also administers the Pesticide Data Program which, in
cooperation with States, samples and analyzes fresh fruits and
vegetables for pesticide residues. It shares residue test results with
the Environmental Protection Agency and other public agencies.

Food Quality Assurance Under a governmentwide quality assurance
program, AMS is responsible for the development and revision of
specifications used by Federal agencies in procuring food for military
and civilian uses. The Service coordinates and approves certification
programs designed to ensure that purchased products conform to the
specification requirements.

Section 32 Programs Under section 32 of the act of August 24, 1935, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 612c), 30 percent of customs receipts collected during
each calendar year are automatically appropriated for expanding outlets
for various commodities. Portions of these funds are transferred to the
Food and Nutrition Service of USDA and to the Department of Commerce.
Remaining funds are used to purchase commodities for the National School
Lunch Program and other feeding programs, for diversion to other
outlets, and for administering agreement and order programs.

Regulatory Programs The Service administers several regulatory programs
designed collectively to protect producers, handlers, and consumers of
agricultural commodities from financial loss or personal injury
resulting from careless, deceptive, or fraudulent marketing practices.
Such regulatory programs encourage fair trading practices in the
marketing of fruits and vegetables, require truth in seed labeling and
in advertising.
Under the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the
Service provides voluntary laboratory analyses of egg products, and
controls the disposition of restricted shell eggs--eggs that are a
potential health hazard.

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Marketing Agreements and Orders These programs, under authority of the
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.),
help to establish and maintain orderly marketing conditions for certain
commodities. Milk marketing orders establish minimum prices that
handlers or distributors are required to pay producers. Programs for
fruits, vegetables, and related specialty crops like nuts and spearmint
oil help stabilize supplies and market prices. In some cases, they also
authorize research and market development activities, including
advertising supported by assessments that handlers pay. Through orderly
marketing, adjusting the supply to demand, and avoiding unreasonable
fluctuations during the marketing season, the income of producers is
increased by normal market forces, and consumer interests are protected
through quality and quantity control.
Federal marketing orders originate with a request from a producer
group to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary can conduct
hearings and referenda based on the producer group's proposal for a
marketing order. Producer and handler assessments finance their
operations.
In carrying out the Government role, the Service ensures that
persons interested in the development and operation of the programs have
a fair hearing and that each marketing order works according to Federal
law and established rules and guidelines.

Plant Variety Protection Program Under authority of the Plant Variety
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), the Service administers a
program that provides for the issuance of ``certificates of plant
variety protection.'' These certificates afford developers of novel
varieties of sexually reproduced plants exclusive rights to sell,
reproduce, import, or export such varieties, or use them in the
production of hybrids or different varieties for a period of 18 years.

Research and Promotion Programs The Service monitors certain industry-
sponsored research, promotion, and information programs authorized by
Federal laws. These programs provide farmers with a means to finance and
operate various research, promotion, and information activities for
cotton, potatoes, eggs, milk and dairy products, beef, pork, wool,
mohair, honey, watermelon, limes, mushrooms, soybeans, fresh cut
flowers, popcorn, kiwi fruit, and canola and rapeseed.

Transportation Programs The Service is also responsible for the
development of an efficient transportation system for rural America that
begins at the farm gate and moves agricultural and other rural products
through the Nation's highways, railroads, airports, and waterways, and
into the domestic and international marketplace. To accomplish this, AMS
conducts economic studies and analyses of these systems, and represents
agricultural and rural transportation interests in policy and regulatory
forums. To provide direct assistance to the transportation community,
AMS supplies research and technical information to producers, producer
groups, shippers, exporters, rural communities, carriers, governmental
agencies, and universities.
The Service carries out responsibilities of USDA's former Office of
Transportation under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C.
1281), the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621), the
Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (7 U.S.C.
1691), the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1921 note), the
International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs Act (7 U.S.C. 4401), and
the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451-457).

Organic Standards Under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7
U.S.C. 501-522), the Service assists a National Organic Standards Board
in developing national organic standards.

Other Programs Other marketing service activities include financial
grants to States for marketing improvement projects. The agency also has
responsibility for the conduct of studies of the facilities and methods
used in the physical distribution of food and other farm products; for
research designed to

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improve the handling of all agricultural products as they move from farm
to consumers; and for increasing marketing efficiency by developing
improved operating methods, facilities, and equipment for processing,
handling, and distributing dairy, poultry, and meat products.
The Agricultural Marketing Service manages the Pesticide
Recordkeeping Program in coordination with the National Agricultural
Statistics Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Service
has developed educational programs and assists State agencies in
inspecting applicator records.

Field Organization Programs and activities in the field are carried out
through a variety of different types of organizations reporting to their
respective Washington components.

For further information, contact the Information Staff, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456,
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-8999.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[For the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service statement of
organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 371]

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) was reestablished
by the Secretary of Agriculture on March 14, 1977, pursuant to authority
contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5
U.S.C. app.).
The Service was established to conduct regulatory and control
programs to protect and improve animal and plant health for the benefit
of man and the environment. In cooperation with State governments, the
agency administers Federal laws and regulations pertaining to animal and
plant health and quarantine, humane treatment of animals, and the
control and eradication of pests and diseases. Regulations to prevent
the introduction or interstate spread of certain animal or plant pests
or diseases are also enforced by the Service. It also carries out
research and operational activities to reduce crop and livestock
depredations caused by birds, rodents, and predators.

Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs Plant protection officials are
responsible for programs to control or eradicate plant pests and
diseases. These programs are carried out in cooperation with the States
involved, other Federal agencies, farmers, and private organizations.
Pest control programs use a single tool or a combination of pest control
techniques, both chemical and nonchemical, which are both effective and
safe.
Agricultural quarantine inspection officials administer Federal
regulations that prohibit or restrict the entry of foreign pests and
plants, plant products, animal products and byproducts, and other
materials that may harbor pests or diseases. Inspection service is
maintained at all major sea, air, border, and interior ports of entry in
the continental United States and in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S.
Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Bermuda. Services also are provided on a
regular or on-call basis at some 500 outlying ports and military
installations throughout the country.
Other responsibilities include the inspection and certification of
domestic commodities for export; regulation of the import and export of
endangered plant species and of genetically engineered organisms and
products that present a plant pest risk; and ensuring that imported seed
is free of noxious weeds.

Veterinary Services Animal health officials are responsible for
programs to protect and improve the health, quality, and marketability
of U.S. animals and animal products. The programs are carried out
through cooperative links with States, foreign governments, livestock
producers, and other Federal Agencies.
Service officials exclude, control, and eradicate animal pests and
diseases by carrying out eradication and control programs for certain
diseases, providing diagnostic services, and gathering and disseminating
information regarding animal health in the United States through land,
air, and ocean ports. They also certify as to the health status of

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animals and animal products being exported to other countries and
respond to animal disease incursions or epidemics which threaten the
health status of U.S. livestock and poultry.
The Service also administers a Federal law intended to ensure that
all veterinary biological products, whether developed by conventional or
new biotechnological procedures, used in the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of animal disease are safe, pure, potent, and effective. The
Service regulates firms that manufacture veterinary biological products
subject to the act, including licensing the manufacturing establishment
and its products, inspecting production facilities and production
methods, and testing products under a surveillance program.

Animal Care The Service administers Federal laws concerned with the
humane care and handling of all warm-blooded animals bought, sold, and
transported--including common carriers--in commerce and used or intended
for use as pets at the wholesale level, or used or intended for use in
exhibitions or for research purposes. The agency also enforces the Horse
Protection Act of 1970, which prohibits the soring of horses at shows
and sales.

International Services Service activities in the international arena
include conducting cooperative plant and animal pest and disease
control, eradication, and surveillance programs in foreign countries.
These programs provide a first line of defense for the United States
against threats such as screwworm, medfly, foot-and-mouth disease, and
other exotic diseases and pests. The Service also provides international
representation concerning sanitary and phytosanitary technical trade
issues, and manages programs for overseas preclearance of commodities,
passengers, and U.S. military activities.

Animal Damage Control Animal Damage Control officials cooperate with
States, counties, local communities, and agricultural producer groups to
reduce crop and livestock depredations caused by birds, rodents, and
predators. Using methods and techniques that are biologically sound,
environmentally acceptable, and economically feasible, they participate
in efforts to educate and advise farmers and ranchers on proper uses of
control methods and techniques; they suppress serious nuisances and
threats to public health and safety caused by birds, rodents, and other
wildlife in urban and rural communities; and they work with airport
managers to reduce risks of bird strikes. In addition, they conduct
research into predator-prey relationships, new control methods, and more
efficient and safe uses of present methods such as toxicants, repellants
and attractants, biological controls, scare devices, and habitat
alteration.

For further information, contact Legislative and Public Affairs, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2511.

Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration

The Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
comprises the former Federal Grain Inspection Service and the former
Packers and Stockyards Administration.
The primary task of GIPSA is to carry out the provisions of the
United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.), the Packers and
Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181-229), the Truth in
Lending and Fair Credit Billing Acts (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and the
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) with respect to
firms subject to GIPSA. The Administration also manages the provisions
of section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1631),
certifying State central filing systems for notification of liens
against farm products and ensures integrity in the inspection, weighing,
and handling of U.S. grain.
The Administration is responsible for establishing official U.S.
standards for grain and other assigned commodities, and for
administrating a nationwide official inspection and weighing system. It
may, in response to formal application, authorize private and State
agencies to perform official services under the authority contained in
the act.

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Two of GIPSA's three grain inspection divisions are located in
Washington, DC; the third is located in Kansas City, MO. Most employees
work in field offices around the Nation.

Inspection The United States Grain Standards Act requires that, with
some exceptions, all U.S. export grain be officially inspected. At
export port locations, inspection is performed by GIPSA or by State
agencies that have been delegated export inspection authority by the
Administrator. For domestic grain, marketed at inland locations, the
Administrator designates private and State agencies to provide official
inspection services upon request. Both export and domestic services are
provided on a fee basis.
To ensure that the official U.S. grain standards are applied
uniformly nationwide, GIPSA's field offices provide oversight, guidance,
and assistance to non-Federal agencies performing inspection activities,
both at export and inland inspection points.
Buyers and sellers may request appeal inspections of original
inspection results, first from a field office and then, if desired, from
GIPSA's Board of Appeals and Review. The Administration maintains a
quality control program to monitor the national inspection system and to
ensure that all field locations accurately and uniformly apply the U.S.
grain standards.

Weighing Official weighing of U.S. export grain is performed at port
locations by GIPSA or by State agencies that have been delegated export
weighing authority by the Administrator. For domestic grain marketed at
inland locations, the weighing services may be provided by GIPSA or by
designated private or State agencies. Weighing services are provided on
a fee basis, upon request.
As with inspection activities, GIPSA field offices provide
oversight, guidance, and assistance to non-Federal agencies performing
official weighing services. With the support of the Association of
American Railroads and user fees, it conducts a railroad track scale-
testing program which includes an annual testing service for all State
and railroad company-owned master scales. The Administration is the only
entity, public or private, which connects all railroad track scales to
the national standards.

Standardization The Administration is responsible for establishing,
maintaining, and, as needed, revising official U.S. standards. Such
standards exist for corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, flaxseed, sorghum,
soybeans, triticale, sunflower seed, canola, and mixed grain. It is
authorized to perform applied research to develop methods of improving
accuracy and uniformity in grading grain.
It is also responsible for standardization and inspection activities
for rice, dry beans, peas, lentils, hay, straw, hops, and related
processed grain commodities under the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621). Although standards no longer exist for
hay, straw, and hops, GIPSA maintains inspection procedures for and
retains authority to inspect these commodities.

Methods Development The Administration's methods development activities
include applied research or tests that produce new or improved
techniques for measuring grain quality. Examples include new knowledge
gained through study of how to establish the framework for real-time
grain inspection and develop reference methods to maintain consistency
and standardization in the grain inspection system, and the comparison
of different techniques for evaluation of end use quality in wheat.
Included in this program area are also the development of a new wheat
classification system, evaluation of prototype wheat hardness meters,
and adapting measurement techniques for pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy
metals, vitamins, and grain odor for use in the official grain
inspection system.

Compliance The Administration's compliance activities ensure accurate
and uniform implementation of the act, applicable provisions of the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, and related regulations--including
designating States and private agencies to carry out official

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inspection and weighing functions and monitoring, and overseeing and
reviewing the operations of such agencies to ensure adequate
performance.
The agency administers a registration program for all firms that
export grain from the United States. In conjunction with the Office of
the Inspector General, it carries out a program for investigating
reported violations, and initiates followup and corrective actions when
appropriate. The total compliance program ensures the integrity of the
national inspection and weighing system.

Packers and Stockyards Activities The Packers and Stockyards Act is an
antitrust, trade practice, and financial protection law. Its principal
purpose is to maintain effective competition and fair trade practices in
the marketing of livestock, meat, and poultry for the protection of
livestock and poultry producers. Members of the livestock, poultry, and
meat industries are also protected against unfair or monopolistic
practices of competitors. The act also protects consumers against unfair
business practices in the marketing of meats and poultry and against
restrictions of competition that could unduly affect meat and poultry
prices.
The provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act are enforced by
investigations of violations of the act with emphasis on payment
protection; detecting instances of commercial bribery, fraud in
livestock marketing, and false weighing; requiring adequate bond
coverage for commission firms, dealers, and packers; and the
surveillance of marketing methods at public markets and in geographical
market areas of the country.

For further information, contact the Grain Inspection, Packers, and
Stockyards Administration, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
20250. Phone, 202-720-0219.

Food Safety

Food Safety and Inspection Service

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was established by the
Secretary of Agriculture on June 17, 1981, pursuant to authority
contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5
U.S.C. app.). At that time, the Service was delegated authority for
regulating the meat and poultry industry to ensure that meat and
poultry, and meat and poultry products moving in interstate and foreign
commerce were safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Under the
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1010-1, dated October 23, 1994, the Service's
authority was extended to include the inspection of egg products.

Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Federal meat and poultry
inspection is mandatory for the following animals and birds used for
human food: cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs, horses (and
other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas. The work
includes inspection of each animal or bird at slaughter, and inspection
of processed products during various stages of production. Under the Egg
Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the Service conducts
mandatory, continuous inspection of the production of liquid, dried, and
frozen egg products, to ensure that egg products are safe, wholesome,
unadulterated, and accurately labeled. The Service tests samples of egg
products, and meat and poultry products for microbial and chemical
contaminants to monitor trends for enforcement purposes.
Facilities and equipment are approved by FSIS before inspection is
granted, and each product label must be approved by the agency before
products can be sold. The agency monitors meat and poultry products in
storage, distribution, and retail channels; and takes necessary
compliance actions to protect the public, including detention of
products, voluntary product recalls, court-ordered seizures of products,
administrative withdrawal of inspection, and referral for criminal
prosecution. The Service also

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conducts State programs for the inspection of meat and poultry products
sold in intrastate commerce.
The Service monitors livestock upon arrival at federally inspected
facilities to ensure compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C.
1901-1906); conducts voluntary reimbursed inspection for rabbits, other
domestic food animals, and certain egg products not covered by the
inspection law (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627); and ensures that inedible egg
products and inedible products from meat or poultry, such as offal
rendered for animal feed, are properly identified and isolated from
edible products (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056 and 7 U.S.C. 1624, respectively).
The Service maintains a toll-free meat and poultry hotline (800-535-
4555; in the Washington metropolitan area, 202-720-5604) to answer
questions about labeling and safe handling of meat and poultry, meat and
poultry products, and egg products. The hotline is also accessible (on
the same extension) by TDD.

For further information, contact the Director, Food Safety Education and
Communications Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7943. Fax, 202-720-
1843.

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

The mission of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) is to
ensure access to nutritious, healthful diets for all Americans. Through
food assistance and nutrition education, FNCS encourages Americans to
make healthful food choices. Rather than simply providing food, FNCS
works to empower people with knowledge of the link between diet and
health, providing dietary guidance based on research.

Food and Consumer Service

The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) administers the USDA food assistance
programs. These programs, which serve one in six Americans, provide a
Federal safety net to people in need and represent our Nation's
commitment to the principle that no one in this country should fear
hunger or experience want. The goals of the programs are to provide
needy persons with access to a more nutritious diet, to improve the
eating habits of the Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by
providing an outlet for distribution of foods purchased under farmer
assistance authorities.
Many of the food programs administered by FCS originated long before
the agency was established as the Food and Nutrition Service in 1969.
The Food Stamp Program, now the cornerstone of USDA food assistance,
began in its modern form in 1961, but it originated as the Food Stamp
Plan to help those in need in the 1930's. The National School Lunch
Program also has it roots in Depression-era efforts to help low-income
children. Today, its mission encompasses teaching children about
nutrition and improving the nutrition standards of school meals. The
Needy Family Program, which has evolved into the Food Distribution
Program on Indian reservations, was the primary means of food assistance
during the Great Depression.
The Service works in partnership with the States in all its
programs. State and local agencies determine most administrative details
regarding distribution of food benefits and eligibility of participants,
and FCS provides commodities and funding for additional food and to
cover administrative costs. FCS administers the following food
assistance programs:
--The Food Stamp Program provides food benefits through State and
local welfare agencies to needy persons to increase their food
purchasing power. The benefits are used by program participants to buy
food in any retail store that has been approved by the Food and Consumer
Service to accept and redeem the benefits.
--The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and

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Children (WIC) improves the health of low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding, and nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and
children up to 5 years of age by providing them with specific nutritious
food supplements, nutrition education, and health care referrals.
--The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides WIC
participants with increased access to fresh produce. Participants
receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized
farmers.
--The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides an extensive
package of foods monthly to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and
breastfeeding women, their infants and children under age 6, and the
elderly. Nutrition education is also provided through this program.
--The National School Lunch Program supports nonprofit food services
in elementary and secondary schools and in residential child-care
institutions to improve the health and nutrition of the Nation's
children. More than half the meals served through these institutions are
free or at reduced cost.
--The School Breakfast Program supplements the National School Lunch
Program by supporting schools in providing needy children with
breakfasts that meet established nutritional standards for free or at
reduced cost.
--The Special Milk Program for Children provides milk for children
in those schools, summer camps, and child-care institutions that have no
federally supported meal programs.
--The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides cash and
commodities for meals for preschool and school-aged children in child-
care facilities and for functionally impaired adults in facilities that
provide nonresidential care for such individuals.
--The Summer Food Service Program for Children helps various
organizations get nutritious meals to needy preschool and school-aged
children during the summer months and during school vacations.
--The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides State agencies with
commodities for distribution to food banks, food pantries, soup
kitchens, and other charitable institutions throughout the country, with
administrative funds to assist in distribution.
--The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Trust
Territories provides an extensive package of commodities monthly to low-
income households on or near Indian reservations. This program is
administered at the local level by Indian tribal organizations or State
agencies.
--The Nutrition Program for the Elderly provides cash and
commodities to States for meals for senior citizens. The food is
delivered through senior citizen centers or meals-on-wheels programs.
--The Nutrition Assistance Program, Puerto Rico and the Northern
Marianas is a block grant program that replaces the Food Stamp Program
in these two territories.
--The Homeless Children Nutrition Program reimburses providers for
nutritious meals served to homeless preschool children in emergency
shelters.
--The Nutrition Education and Training Program grants funds to
States for the development and dissemination of nutrition information
and materials to children and for inservice training of food service and
teaching personnel.
No person may be discriminated against because of race, color, sex,
creed, national origin, or handicap in the programs administered by the
Food and Consumer Service.

For further information, contact the Public Information Officer, Food
and Consumer Service, Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA 22302.
Phone, 703-305-2276. Internet, http://www.usda.gov/fcs.htm.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The Center coordinates nutrition policy in USDA and provides overall
leadership in nutrition education for the American public. It also
coordinates with the Department of Health and Human Services in the
review, revision, and dissemination of the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, the Federal Government's statement of nutrition policy formed
by a

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consensus of scientific and medical professionals.

For further information, contact the Office of Public Information,
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Suite 200, 1120 20th Street
NW., Washington, DC 20036-3406. Phone, 202-418-2312. Internet, http://
www.usda.gov/fcs/cnpp.htm.

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

Through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), this mission area administers
farm commodity, crop insurance, and resource conservation programs for
farmers, and makes loans through a network of State and county offices.
Agency programs are directed at agricultural producers or, in the case
of loans, at those with farming experience.

Farm Service Agency

The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (110 Stat.
888) significantly changed U.S. agricultural policy by removing the link
between income support payments and farm prices. The law provided that
farmers who participated in the wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice
programs in any one of the previous 5 years could enter into 7-year
production flexibility contracts and receive a series of fixed payments.
These payments are independent of farm prices and specific crop
production, in contrast to the past, when deficiency payments were based
on farm prices and the production of specific crops. The Federal
Government no longer requires land to be idled or denies payments if
farmers switch from their historical crop. The contract, however,
requires participating producers to comply with existing conservation
plans for the farm, wetland provisions, and planting flexibility
provisions, as well as to keep the land in agricultural uses.
The law provided for a one-time signup which ended August 1, 1996.
There will be no additional signups except for land coming out of the
Conservation Reserve Program.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs are described below.

Commodity Loan Programs The Agency administers commodity loan programs
for wheat, rice, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, oilseeds, tobacco,
peanuts, upland and extra-long-staple cotton, and sugar. It provides
operating personnel for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which
supports the prices of some agricultural commodities through loans and
purchases. This provides farmers with interim financing and helps
maintain balanced and adequate supplies of farm commodities, and their
orderly distribution, throughout the year and during times of surplus
and scarcity. Instead of immediately selling the crop after harvest, a
farmer who grows one or more of most field crops can store the produce
and take out a ``nonrecourse'' loan for its value, pledging the crop
itself as collateral. ``Nonrecourse'' means that the producer can
discharge debts in full by forfeiting or delivering the commodity to the
Government.
A producer must have entered into a production flexibility contract
to be eligible for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for wheat,
feed grains, rice, and upland cotton. Any production of a contract
commodity by a producer who has entered into a production flexibility
contract is eligible for loans.
Nonrecourse loans are also available for oilseeds, tobacco, peanuts,
extra-long-staple cotton, raw cane sugar, and refined beet sugar,
regardless of whether the producer has entered into a production
flexibility contract. Price support for the marketing quota crops--
tobacco and peanuts--is made available through producer loan
associations. By law, these programs must operate at no net cost to the
U.S. Treasury, and no-net cost and marketing assessments are applied to
both producers and purchasers.

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Commodity Purchase Programs Under the dairy price support program, CCC
buys surplus butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk from processors at
announced prices to support the price of milk. These purchases help
maintain market prices at the legislated support level, and the
commodities are used for hunger relief both in the United States and in
foreign countries.

Emergency Assistance In the aftermath of a natural disaster, FSA makes
available a variety of emergency assistance programs to farmers in
counties that have been designated or declared disaster areas, including
cost-share assistance to producers who do not have enough feed to
maintain livestock because of a loss of a substantial amount of their
normal feed production. Emergency loans are also available. In the event
of a national emergency, FSA is responsible for ensuring adequate food
production and distribution, as well as the continued availability of
feed, seed, fertilizer, and farm machinery.

Farm Loans The Agency offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and
operating loan programs to farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain
private commercial credit. Often, these are beginning farmers who can't
qualify for conventional loans because they have insufficient net worth.
The Agency also helps established farmers who have suffered financial
setbacks from natural disasters or whose resources are too limited to
maintain profitable farming operations.
Under the guaranteed loan program, the Agency guarantees qualifying
loans made by conventional agricultural lenders for up to 90 percent of
principal. Farmers must apply to a conventional lender, who then
arranges for the guarantee.
For those unable to qualify for a guaranteed loan, FSA also lends
directly to borrowers. To qualify for a direct farm ownership or
operating loan, the applicant must be able to show sufficient repayment
ability and pledge enough collateral to fully secure the loan. Funding
authorities for direct loans are limited, and applicants may have to
wait until funds become available.

Conservation Programs The Conservation Reserve Program protects the
Nation's most fragile farmland by encouraging farmers to stop growing
crops on highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage. In
return for planting a protective cover of grass or trees on vulnerable
property, the owner receives a rental payment each year of a multi-year
contract. Cost-share payments are also available to help establish
permanent areas of grass, legumes, trees, windbreaks, or plants that
improve water quality and give shelter and food to wildlife.
The Agency also works with other USDA agencies to deliver
conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program, which helps farmers and ranchers improve their property to
protect the environment and conserve soil and water resources.

Commodity Credit Corporation

The Commodity Credit Corporation was organized October 17, 1933,
pursuant to Executive Order 6340 of October 16, 1933, under the laws of
the State of Delaware, as an agency of the United States. From October
17, 1933, to July 1, 1939, the Corporation was managed and operated in
close affiliation with the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. On July
1, 1939, the agency was transferred to the Department of Agriculture by
the President's Reorganization Plan No. I of 1939 (5 U.S.C. app.).
Approval of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act on June 29,
1948 (15 U.S.C. 714), subsequently amended, established the Corporation,
effective July 1, 1948, as an agency and instrumentality of the United
States under a permanent Federal charter.
The Corporation stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and
prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of
agricultural commodities and their products, and

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facilitates the orderly distribution of commodities.
The Corporation is managed by a Board of Directors, subject to the
general supervision and direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, who
is an ex officio Director and Chairman of the Board. The Board consists
of seven members (in addition to the Secretary of Agriculture), who are
appointed by the President of the United States.
The Corporation is capitalized at $100 million and has statutory
authority to borrow up to $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury. It
utilizes the personnel and facilities of the Farm Service Agency and, in
certain foreign assistance operations, the Foreign Agricultural Service
to carry out its activities.
A commodity office in Kansas City, MO, has specific responsibilities
for the acquisition, handling, storage, and disposal of commodities and
products held by the Corporation.

Foreign Assistance Under Public Law 480, the Agricultural Trade
Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1691), the
Corporation carries out assigned foreign assistance activities, such as
guaranteeing the credit sale of U.S. agricultural commodities abroad.
Major emphasis is also being directed toward meeting the needs of
developing nations under the Food for Peace Act of 1966 (7 U.S.C. 1691),
which further amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance
Act of 1954. Under these authorities, agricultural commodities are
supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to encourage
economic development in developing countries. In addition, the
Corporation supplies commodities under the Food for Progress Program to
provide assistance to developing democracies.
The Corporation encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide
financing to developing countries under the Export Credit Guarantee
Programs administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service.

For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Farm Service
Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0506, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5237. Internet, http://
www.fsa.usda.gov/. For information about Commodity Credit Corporation
export programs, contact the Information Division, Foreign Agricultural
Service, Department of Agriculture. Phone, 202-720-3448.

Risk Management Agency

Federal crop insurance protects farmers or ranchers from unexpected
production losses from natural causes including drought, excessive
moisture, hail, wind, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. It
does not cover losses resulting from neglect, poor farming practices,
theft, or low prices. Currently, insurance is available for 64 different
crops.
Catastrophic crop insurance (CAT) compensates a farmer for crop
losses greater than 50 percent of the operation's average yield, at 60
percent of the expected market price. Assistance can be obtained at
local FSA offices in most States or from private crop insurance agents
for a nominal processing fee. Producers who decide not to buy crop
insurance when it is available may still participate in USDA commodity,
conservation, and credit programs. However, they must sign a waiver
agreeing to give up eligibility for emergency crop disaster assistance.
The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) protects
growers of many crops for which Federal crop insurance is not available.
In addition, any losses resulting from natural disasters not covered by
the crop insurance policy may also be eligible. Assistance is available
for crops grown commercially for food and fiber. Floriculture,
ornamental nursery products, Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed
crops, aquaculture, and industrial crops are also included.

For further information, contact Public Affairs, Risk Management Agency,
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20250.

Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has primary responsibility for
USDA's

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overseas market information, access, and development programs. It also
administers USDA's export assistance and foreign food assistance
programs. The Service carries out its tasks through its network of
agricultural counselors, attaches, and trade officers stationed overseas
and its U.S.-based team of analysts, marketing specialists, negotiators,
and other professionals.
The Foreign Agricultural Service maintains a worldwide agricultural
intelligence and reporting system through its attache service. This
service consists of a team of professional agriculturalists posted in
more than 75 countries around the world. They represent the Department
of Agriculture and provide information and data on foreign government
agricultural policies, analyses of supply and demand conditions,
commercial trade relationships, and market opportunities. They report on
more than 100 farm commodities, weather, economic factors, and related
subjects that affect agriculture and agricultural trade.
At the Foreign Agricultural Service in Washington, DC, agricultural
economists and marketing specialists analyze these and other reports.
These analyses are supplemented by accumulated background information
and by the Crop Condition Assessment system, which analyzes Landsat
satellite weather and other data.
To improve access for U.S. farm products abroad, FAS international
trade policy specialists coordinate and direct USDA's responsibilities
in international trade agreement programs and negotiations. They
maintain an ongoing effort to reduce foreign trade barriers and
practices that discourage the export of U.S. farm products.
To follow foreign governmental actions that affect the market for
U.S. agricultural commodities, FAS relies on its agricultural counselors
and attaches. In Washington, a staff of international trade specialists
analyzes the trade policies and practices of foreign governments to
ensure conduct in conformance with international treaty obligations.
During international negotiations, FAS provides staff and support for
U.S. agricultural representation.
The Service has a continuing market development program to create,
service, and expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural
products. It carries out programs with nonprofit commodity groups called
Cooperators, trade associations, and State agriculture departments and
their regional associations. It manages market opportunity referral
services and organizes trade fairs and sales teams.
The Service's Office of the General Sales Manager also oversees
agricultural functions under the Public Law 480 Food for Peace Program,
title I (7 U.S.C. 1701); section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949
(7 U.S.C. 1431); the Commodity Credit Corporation's (CCC) Export Credit
Guarantee Programs; several other export assistance programs; and direct
sales of Corporation-owned surplus commodities.
The Commodity Credit Corporation Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102)
and the Intermediate Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-103) Programs
encourage the development or expansion of overseas markets for U.S.
agricultural commodities by providing guarantees on private financing of
U.S. exports to foreign buyers purchasing on credit terms.
The foreign buyer contracts for the purchase of U.S. commodities on
a deferred-payment basis of 3 years or less under GSM-102, or between 3
and 10 years under GSM-103. The foreign buyer's bank issues a letter of
credit to guarantee payment to the U.S. exporter or an assignee U.S.
lending institution. To receive the payment guarantee, the exporter
registers the sale with CCC prior to export and pays a guarantee fee.
The payment guarantee is implemented only if the foreign bank fails to
pay the exporter or the assignee U.S. lending institution.
The Corporation considers coverage on sales of any U.S. agricultural
commodity that has the potential of expanding U.S. export markets. A
U.S. exporter, private foreign buyer, or foreign government may submit
requests

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that may result in authorized guarantee coverage.
Several export assistance programs are designed to counter or offset
the adverse effects from competitors' unfair trade practices on U.S.
agriculture. These programs include the Export Enhancement Program (EEP)
and the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP).
Under EEP, USDA provides Corporation-owned commodities or cash as
export bonuses to make U.S. commodities more competitive in the world
marketplace. The DEIP and EEP programs are similar, but DEIP is
restricted to dairy products.
The Foreign Agricultural Service is also responsible for sales of
Corporation-owned surplus commodities to private trade, foreign
government, and nonprofit organizations. Direct sales may be negotiated
on a case-by-case basis and on a cash or credit basis. The only criteria
for financing direct sales are a 3-year maximum credit plan and the
arrangement of suitable payment terms.
Another program authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation,
and Trade Act of 1990 is the Market Promotion Program, formerly known as
Targeted Export Assistance (TEA). The Market Promotion Program provides
assistance in the form of cash or commodities to trade promotion
organizations to help fund their market development activities overseas,
particularly in those markets where the United States encounters unfair
trade practices by foreign competitors or importers.
The Service helps other USDA agencies, U.S. universities, and others
enhance America's agricultural competitiveness globally; and increases
income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing
expertise for agriculturally led economic growth.
The Service's programs enhance U.S. agriculture's competitiveness by
providing U.S. agriculturalists and scientists with linkages to world
resources. These linkages often produce new germplasm and technologies
that can be vital to improving our current agricultural base and
producing new and alternative products. They also foster relationships
and understandings that result in trade opportunities and strengthened
strategic and political ties.
The Service is a link between the technical expertise of the U.S.
agricultural community and Third World nations. By sharing agricultural
knowledge with less-developed nations, the United States provides tools
to help build stable economies and a more prosperous world. In the
process, less- developed nations overcome the barriers of hunger and
poverty and gain the economic means to buy needed goods and services in
the world marketplace.
The Service also manages programs to exchange visits, germplasm, and
technologies between U.S. and international scientists; supports
collaborative research projects of mutual interest to the United States
and other nations; taps the U.S. agricultural community to provide
technical assistance and professional development and training programs
to assist economic development in lower income nations; serves as U.S.
liaison with international organizations; and organizes overseas trade
and investment missions.
These activities serve the needs of other USDA agencies, the Agency
for International Development, other public and private institutions,
foreign nations, development banks, and the U.S. university and
agricultural communities.

For further information, contact the Information Division, Foreign
Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-
1000. Phone, 202-720-7115.

Research, Education, and Economics

This mission area's main focus is to create, apply, and transfer
knowledge and technology to provide affordable food and fiber, ensure
food safety and

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nutrition, and support rural development and natural resource needs of
people by conducting integrated national and international research,
information, education, and statistical programs and services that are
in the national interest.

Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service conducts research to develop and
transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority.
It provides information access and dissemination to ensure high-quality,
safe food and other agricultural products; assess the nutritional needs
of Americans; sustain a competitive agricultural economy; enhance the
natural resource base and the environment; and provide economic
opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.
All administrative and management responsibilities of the four
Research, Education, and Economic agencies--Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service (CSREES), Economic Research Service (ERS), and National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)--are administered by the ARS
Administrative and Financial Management Unit headquartered in
Washington, DC.
Research activities are carried out at 104 domestic locations
(including Puerto Rico) and 3 overseas locations. Much of this research
is conducted in cooperation with partners in State universities and
experiment stations, other Federal agencies, and private organizations.
A national program staff, headquartered in Beltsville, MD, is the focal
point in the overall planning and coordination of ARS' research
programs. Day-to-day management of the respective programs for specific
field locations is assigned to eight area offices.

Area Offices--Agricultural Research Service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office Address
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BELTSVILLE AREA--Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Bldg. 003, Beltsville Agricultural Research
National Arboretum, Washington, DC Ctr. W., Beltsville, MD 20705

MIDSOUTH AREA--AL, KY, LA, MS, TN P.O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776

MIDWEST AREA--IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61804

NORTHERN PLAINS AREA--CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, WY Suite 150, 1201 Oakridge Rd., Fort Collins, CO
80525-5562

NORTH ATLANTIC AREA--CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, 600 E. Mermaid Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19118
VT, WV

PACIFIC WEST AREA--AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA 800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710

SOUTH ATLANTIC AREA--FL, GA, NC, PR, SC, VI, VA P.O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30613

SOUTHERN PLAINS AREA--AR, NM, OK, TX Suite 230, 7607 Eastmark Dr., College Station,
TX 77840
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The National Agricultural Library (NAL), administered by ARS,
provides information services over a broad range of agricultural
interests to a wide cross-section of users, from research scientists to
the general public. The Library assists its users through a variety of
specialized information centers. Its staff uses advanced information
technologies to generate new information products, creating an
electronic library as it improves access to the knowledge stored in its
multimedia collection of more than 2 million items.
Information is made available through loans, photocopies, reference
services, and literature searches. A subject profiling system for
selective searches of agricultural data bases is available for USDA
scientists. Citations to the agricultural literature are stored in the
Agricultural Online Access (AGRICOLA) data base, available through
online computer systems and on compact disc. The Library also
distributes in the United States the AGRIS data base of citations to the
agricultural literature prepared by centers in various parts of the
world and coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations.

For further information, contact the Information Staff, Agricultural
Research Service, Department of Agriculture, 6303 Ivy Lane, Room 450,
Greenbelt, MD 20770. Phone, 301-344-2340.

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Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
(CSREES) expands the research and higher education functions of the
former Cooperative State Research Service and the education and outreach
functions of the former Extension Service. The result is better customer
service and an enhanced ability to respond to national priorities.
The Service links the research and education resources and
activities of USDA and works with the following institutions: land-grant
institutions in each State, territory, and the District of Columbia;
more than 130 colleges of agriculture; 59 agricultural experiment
stations; 57 cooperative extension services; 63 schools of forestry;
sixteen 1890 historically Black land-grant institutions and Tuskegee
University; 27 colleges of veterinary medicine; 42 schools and colleges
of family and consumer services; twenty-nine 1994 Native American land-
grant institutions; and 127 Hispanic-serving institutions, including 81
members and 45 associate members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges
and Universities.
In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES provides the
focus to advance a global system of research, extension, and higher
education in the food and agricultural sciences and related
environmental and human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the
Nation.
The Service's mission emphasizes partnerships with the public and
private sectors to maximize the effectiveness of limited resources. Its
programs increase and provide access to scientific knowledge; strengthen
the capabilities of land-grant and other institutions in research,
extension, and higher education; increase access to and use of improved
communication and network systems; and promote informed decisionmaking
by producers, families, and social conditions in the United States and
globally. These conditions include improved agricultural and other
economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced
stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more
responsible and more productive individuals, families, and communities;
and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply.
The Service provides research, extension, and education leadership
through programs in Plant and Animal Production, Protection, and
Processing; Natural Resources and Environment; Rural, Economic, and
Social Development; Families, 4-H, and Nutrition; Partnerships;
Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management; Science and Education
Resources Development; and Communications, Technology, and Distance
Education.
The Service's partnership with the land-grant universities and their
representatives is critical to the effective shared planning, delivery,
and accountability for research, higher education, and extension
programs.
As a recognized leader in the design, organization, and application
of advanced communication technologies and in meeting the growing demand
for enhanced distance education capabilities, CSREES provides essential
community access to research and education knowledge and connects the
private citizen to other Federal Government information.

For further information, contact the Communications, Technology, and
Distance Education Office, Cooperative State Research, Education, and
Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-0906.
Phone, 202-720-4651. Fax, 202-690-0289. TDD, 202-690-1899. E-mail,
CSREES@reeusda.gov. Internet, http://www.reeusda.gov/.

Economic Research Service

The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to provide
economic and other social science information and analysis for public
and private decisions on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural
America. The Service produces such information for use by the general
public and to help the executive and legislative branches develop,
administer,

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and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and programs.
The Service produces economic information through a program of
research and analysis on: domestic and international agricultural
developments; statistical indicators of food and consumer issues and
concerns, including nutrition education and food assistance, food safety
regulation, determinants of consumer demand for quality and safety, and
food marketing trends and developments; agricultural resource and
environmental issues; and the effect of public and private actions and
policies on national rural and agricultural conditions, including the
transformation of the rural economy, the financial performance of the
farm sector, and the implications of changing farm credit and financial
market structures.

For further information, contact the Information Services Division,
Economics Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
20005-4788. Phone, 202-219-0310.

Office of Energy and New Uses The Office of Energy and New Uses serves
as the focal point for all energy-related matters within the Department.
The Office is responsible for developing and coordinating all USDA
energy policies; reviewing and evaluating all USDA energy and energy-
related programs; evaluating the economics of new nonfood uses for
agricultural crops; serving as economic liaison on new uses issues; and
providing liaison with the Department of Energy and other Federal
agencies and departments on energy activities that may affect
agriculture and rural America. A major component of this is the
responsibility for the coordination and evaluation of the departmental
Biofuels Program.
The Office also represents the Department in meetings with
agriculture, industry, and consumer groups to discuss effects of
departmental energy policies, programs, and proposals on the
agricultural sector and rural economy.

For further information, contact the Information Services Division,
Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
20005-4788. Phone, 202-219-0310.

National Agricultural Statistics Service

The National Agricultural Statistics Service prepares estimates and
reports on production, supply, price, and other items necessary for the
orderly operation of the U.S. agricultural economy.
The reports include statistics on field crops, fruits and
vegetables, dairy, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, aquaculture, and
related commodities or processed products. Other estimates concern farm
numbers, farm production expenditures, agricultural chemical use, prices
received by farmers for products sold, prices paid for commodities and
services, indexes of prices received and paid, parity prices, farm
employment, and farm wage rates.
The Service prepares these estimates through a complex system of
sample surveys of producers, processors, buyers, and others associated
with agriculture. Information is gathered by mail, telephone, personal
interviews, and field visits.
The 45 State-Federal offices, serving all 50 States, and the
national office prepare weekly, monthly, annual, and other periodic
reports for free distribution to the news media, Congress, and survey
respondents. The reports are available to others free on the Internet,
or on a subscription basis. Information on crop and livestock products
appears in about 400 reports issued annually. Cooperative agreements
with State agencies also permit preparation and publication of estimates
of individual crops and livestock by counties in most States.
The Service performs reimbursable survey work and statistical
consulting services for other Federal and State agencies and provides
technical assistance for developing agricultural data systems in other
countries.

For further information, contact the Executive Assistant to the
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2000. Phone, 202-720-5141.

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Natural Resources and Environment

This mission area is responsible for fostering sound stewardship of 75
percent of the Nation's total land area. Ecosystems are the underpinning
for the Department's operating philosophy in this area, in order to
maximize stewardship of our natural resources. This approach ensures
that products, values, services, and uses desired by people are produced
in ways that sustain healthy, productive ecosystems.

Forest Service

[For the Forest Service statement of organization, see the Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 200.1]

The Forest Service was created by the Transfer Act of February 1, 1905
(16 U.S.C. 472), which transferred the Federal forest reserves and the
responsibility for their management from the Department of the Interior
to the Department of Agriculture. The forest reserves were established
by the President from the public domain under authority of the Creative
Act of March 3, 1891 (26 Stat. 1103). The protection and development of
the reserves (which became the national forests in 1907) are governed by
the Organic Act of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 U.S.C. 473-478); the
Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of June 12, 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528-531);
the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16
U.S.C. 1601-1610); and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (90
Stat. 2947). The Weeks Law of March 1, 1911, as amended (16 U.S.C. 480),
allowed the Government to purchase and exchange land for national
forests.

Objectives The Forest Service has the Federal responsibility for
national leadership in forestry. As set forth in law, its mission is to
achieve quality land management under the sustainable, multiple-use
management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. To accomplish
this goal, it has adopted objectives which include:
--advocating a conservation ethic in promoting the health,
productivity, diversity, and beauty of forests and associated lands;
--listening to people and responding to their diverse needs in
making decisions;
--protecting and managing the national forests and grasslands to
best demonstrate the sustainable, multiple-use management concept;
--providing technical and financial assistance to State and private
forest landowners, encouraging them toward active stewardship and
quality land management in meeting their specific objectives;
--providing technical and financial assistance to cities and
communities to improve their natural environment by planting trees and
caring for their forests;
--providing international technical assistance and scientific
exchanges to sustain and enhance global resources and to encourage
quality land management;
--assisting States and communities in using the forests wisely to
promote rural economic development and a quality rural environment;
--developing and providing scientific and technical knowledge,
improving our capability to protect, manage, and use forests and
rangelands; and
--providing work, training, and education to the unemployed,
underemployed, elderly, youth, and the disadvantaged.

National Forest System The Service manages 155 national forests, 20
national grasslands, and 8 land utilization projects on over 191 million
acres in 44 States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico under the
principles of multiple-use and sustained yield. The Nation's tremendous
need for wood and paper products is balanced with the other vital,
renewable resources or benefits that the national forests and grasslands
provide: recreation and natural beauty, wildlife habitat, livestock
forage, and water supplies. The guiding principle is the greatest good
to the greatest number in the long run.

[[Page 136]]
These lands are protected as much as possible from wildfire,
epidemics of disease and insect pests, erosion, floods, and water and
air pollution. Burned areas get emergency seeding treatment to prevent
massive erosion and stream siltation. Roads and trails are built where
needed to allow for closely regulated timber harvesting and to give the
public access to outdoor recreation areas and provide scenic drives and
hikes. Picnic, camping, water-sport, skiing, and other areas are
provided with facilities for public convenience and enjoyment. Timber
harvesting methods are used that will protect the land and streams,
assure rapid renewal of the forest, provide food and cover for wildlife
and fish, and have minimum impact on scenic and recreation values. Local
communities benefit from the logging and milling activities. These lands
also provide needed oil, gas, and minerals. Rangelands are improved for
millions of livestock and game animals. The national forests provide a
refuge for many species of endangered birds, animals, and fish. Some
34.6 million acres are set aside as wilderness and 175,000 acres as
primitive areas where timber will not be harvested.

Cooperation With the States The Service provides national leadership
and financial and technical assistance to non-Federal forest landowners,
operators, processors of forest products, and urban forestry interests.
Through its cooperative State and private forestry programs, the Service
protects and improves the quality of air, water, soil, and open space
and encourages uses of natural resources on non-Federal lands that best
meet the needs of the Nation, while protecting the environment.
Cooperative programs are carried out through the State foresters or
equivalent State officials, who receive grant funding under the
Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101).
Cooperators at the State and local levels provide the delivery system
for most State and private forestry programs.
Grant funds and technical assistance are available for rural
forestry assistance, forestry incentives, insect and disease control,
urban forestry assistance, rural fire prevention and control,
organization management assistance, State forest resource planning, and
technology implementation.
The Service also cooperates with other USDA agencies in providing
leadership and technical assistance for the forestry aspects of
conservation programs.
The Service's State and private forestry program staff also ensure
that the Service and its cooperators keep abreast of the best knowledge
and technology in carrying out its programs, and they help to develop
technology transfer plans for implementing research results for a broad
range of potential users.

Forest Research The Service performs basic and applied research to
develop the scientific information and technology needed to protect,
manage, use, and sustain the natural resources of the Nation's 1.6
billion acres of forests and rangelands. This research is conducted
through a network of 7 forest experiment stations, a Forest Products
Laboratory, and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry,
including research work units at 77 project locations throughout the
United States, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Trust Islands. Under the
authority of the McSweeny-McNary Act of May 22, 1928, as amended and
supplemented (45 Stat. 699), research is often performed in cooperation
with many of the State agricultural colleges. The Forest Research
Service's strategy focuses on three major program components:
understanding the structure and functions of forest and range
ecosystems; understanding how people perceive and value the protection,
management, and use of natural resources; and determining which
protection, management, and utilization practices are most suitable for
sustainable production and use of the world's natural resources.

International Forestry In response to the U.S. commitment to support
natural resource conservation around the world, Congress established the
International Forestry Division within the USDA's Forest Service. Its
mandate is to provide assistance that promotes sustainable development
and global environmental

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stability, particularly in key countries important in global climate
change. This mandate includes a national goal for sustainable management
of all forests by the year 2000, investigating research topics with
implications for global forest management, and sharing resource
management experience with colleagues around the world.
Responsibility for global stewardship is shared by the entire Forest
Service. The Forest Service's Office of International Forestry mobilizes
support of all Forest Service units--Research, National Forest System,
State and Private Forestry, Administration, and Programs and
Legislation--to work with other governmental agencies, nongovernmental
groups, and international organizations in four major international
areas: strategic planning and policy development, training and technical
assistance, research and scientific exchange, and disaster relief.

Human Resource Programs The Service operates the Youth Conservation
Corps and the Volunteers in the National Forests programs and
participates with the Department of Labor on several human resource
programs that involve the Nation's citizens, both young and old, in
forestry-related activities. Included in these programs are the Job
Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. These
programs annually accomplish millions of dollars worth of conservation
work, while providing participants with such benefits as training, paid
employment, and meaningful outdoor experience.

Field Offices--Forest Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region/Station/Area Address
------------------------------------------------------------------------

National Forest System Regions \1\--Regional Forester

1. Northern Federal Bldg. (P.O. Box 7669), Missoula, MT
59807
2. Rocky Mountain 740 Simms St. (P.O. Box 25127), Lakewood, CO
80225
3. Southwestern 517 Gold Ave. SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102
4. Intermountain 324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401
5. Pacific Southwest 630 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94111
6. Pacific Northwest 333 SW. 1st Ave. (P.O. Box 3623), Portland,
OR 97208
8. Southern 1720 Peachtree Rd. NW., Atlanta, GA 30367
9. Eastern 310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203
10. Alaska Federal Office Bldg. (P.O. Box 21628),
Juneau, AK 99802

Forest and Range Experiment Stations--Director

Intermountain 324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401
North Central 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
Northeastern Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd. (P.O. Box
6775), Radnor, PA 19087-4585
Pacific Northwest 333 SW. 1st Ave. (P.O. Box 3890), Portland,
OR 97208
Pacific Southwest 800 Buchanan St. (P.O. Box 245), Albany, CA
94710
Rocky Mountain 240 W. Prospect Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526
Southern 200 Weaver Blvd. (P.O. Box 2860), Asheville,
NC 28804
Forest Products Laboratory One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53705

State and Private Forestry Areas \2\--Director

Northeastern Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd. (P.O. Box
6775), Radnor, PA 19087-4585
International Institute of Guadecanal St. (Call Box 25000), Rio
Tropical Forestry Piedras, PR 00928
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ There is no Region 7.
\2\ In Regions 1 through 6, 8, and 10, State and private forestry
activities are directed from regional headquarters.

For further information, contact the Public Affairs Office, Forest
Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC
20090-6090. Phone, 202-720-3760.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

[For the Natural Resources Conservation Service statement of
organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Parts 600
and 601]

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil
Conservation Service, has national responsibility for helping America's
farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners develop and carry out
voluntary efforts to conserve and protect our natural resources. The
Service is USDA's technical delivery arm for conservation.

[[Page 138]]
Conservation Technical Assistance This is the foundation program of
NRCS. Under this program, NRCS provides technical assistance to land
users and units of government for the purpose of sustaining agricultural
productivity and protecting and enhancing the natural resource base.
This assistance is based on the voluntary cooperation of private
landowners and involves comprehensive approaches to reduce soil erosion,
improve soil and water quantity and quality, improve and conserve
wetlands, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve air quality,
improve pasture and range condition, reduce upstream flooding, and
improve woodlands. Every year, more than 1 million land users receive
these technical services, which are channeled through nearly 3,000
conservation districts across the United States and its territories.

Natural Resources Inventory The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) is a
report issued every 5 years on how well the Nation is sustaining natural
resources on non-Federal land. This report contains the most
comprehensive and statistically reliable data of its kind in the world.
The Inventory provides data on the kind and amount of soil, water,
vegetation, and related resources; the effects of current land use and
management practices on the present and future supply and condition of
soil, water, and vegetation; and the changes and trends in the use,
extent, and condition of these resources. Inventory data and analytical
software are available to the public on CD-ROM.

National Cooperative Soil Survey The National Cooperative Soil Survey
provides the public with local information on the uses and capabilities
of their soils. The published soil survey for a county or other
designated area includes maps and interpretations that are the
foundation for farm planning and other private land use decisions as
well as for resource planning and policy by Federal, State, and local
governments. The surveys are conducted cooperatively with other Federal,
State, and local agencies and land grant universities. The Service is
the national and world leader in soil classification and soil mapping,
and is now expanding its work in soil quality.

Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program This program collects
snowpack moisture data and forecasts seasonal water supplies for streams
that derive most of their water from snowmelt. It helps farm operators,
rural communities, and municipalities manage water resources through
water supply forecasts. It also provides hydrometeorological data for
regulating reservoir storage and managing streamflow. The Snow Supply
Program is conducted in 11 Western States and Alaska.
Plant Materials Program At 26 plant materials centers across the
country, NRCS tests, selects, and ensures the commercial availability of
new and improved conservation plants for erosion reduction, wetland
restoration, water quality improvement, streambank and riparian area
protection, coastal dune stabilization, biomass production, carbon
sequestration, and other needs. The Plant Materials Program is a
cooperative effort with conservation districts, other Federal and State
agencies, commercial businesses, and seed and nursery associations.

River Basin Surveys and Investigations This program involves NRCS with
Federal, State, and local agencies in river basin surveys and
investigations, flood hazard analysis, and floodplain management
assistance. It addresses a variety of natural resource concerns: water
quality, water conservation, wetlands protection, agricultural drought,
rural development, municipal and industrial water needs, and fish and
wildlife habitat.

Small Watersheds Program The Small Watersheds Program helps local
sponsoring groups to voluntarily plan and install watershed protection
projects on private lands. These projects include flood prevention,
water quality improvement, soil erosion and sediment reduction, rural
and municipal water supply, irrigation water management, fish and
wildlife habitat enhancement, and wetlands restoration. The Service

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helps local community groups, government entities, and private
landowners working together using an integrated, comprehensive watershed
approach to natural resource planning.

Flood Prevention Program This program applies to 11 specific flood
prevention projects covering about 35 million acres in 11 States. It
provides help in flood prevention, water management, and reduction of
erosion sedimentation. It also can help in developing recreational
facilities and improving fish and wildlife habitat.

Emergency Watershed Protection Program This program provides emergency
assistance to safeguard lives and property in jeopardy due to sudden
watershed impairment by natural disasters. Emergency work includes
quickly establishing a protective plant cover on denuded land and stream
banks; opening dangerously restricted channels; and repairing diversions
and levees. An emergency area need not be declared a national disaster
area to be eligible for help under this program.

Great Plains Conservation Program This program (GPCP) helps bring about
long-term solutions to natural resource problems in the 10 Great Plains
States. It is aimed at total conservation treatment of entire farms or
ranches. Participation in GPCP is voluntary and provides technical
assistance and a long-term cost-share contract between the participant
and NRCS. The program has been effective in addressing the needs of
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and the needs of American
Indian farmers and ranchers. In addition to providing significant
erosion and sediment reduction benefits, it addresses problems related
to water quality, wildlife habitat protection, and other environmental
concerns.

Resource Conservation and Development Program This program (RC&D) is a
locally driven program--an opportunity for civic-oriented groups to work
together sharing knowledge and resources in solving common problems
facing their region. The program offers aid in balancing the
environmental, economic, and social needs of an area. A USDA coordinator
helps each designated RC&D council plan, develop, and carry out programs
for resource conservation, water management, community development, and
environmental enhancement.

Rural Abandoned Mine Program This program (RAMP) helps protect people
and the environment from the adverse effects of past coal-mining
practices and promotes the development of soil and water resources on
unreclaimed mine land. It provides technical and financial assistance to
land users who voluntarily enter into 5- to 10-year contracts for the
reclamation of eligible land and water.

Wetlands Reserve Program Under this program, USDA purchases easements
from agricultural land owners who voluntarily agree to restore and
protect wetlands. Service employees help these owners develop plans to
retire critical wetland habitat from crop production. The primary
objectives are to preserve and restore wetlands, improve wildlife
habitat, and protect migratory waterfowl.

Water Bank Program The Service helps landowners protect, improve, or
restore wetlands by identifying eligible lands, helping owners develop
conservation plans, and implementing necessary land treatments. Through
10-year rental agreements between USDA and landowners, the Water Bank
Program protects important nesting, breeding, and feeding areas for
migratory waterfowl. Other benefits of the program include water
conservation, erosion control, flood control, and landscape
beautification.

Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program This voluntary incentive
program supports the Nation's commitment to water quality in the
Colorado River, which provides water to more than 18 million people in
parts of seven Western States and Mexico. The Service provides financial
and technical assistance to control salt loading to the Colorado River
from both natural and human-caused sources. Among the remedies used are
management practices to prevent irrigation-induced erosion.

Forestry Incentives Program This program helps to increase the Nation's

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supply of products from nonindustrial private forest lands. This also
ensures more effective use of existing forest lands and, over time,
helps to prevent shortages and price increases for forest products. The
program shares the cost incurred by landowners for tree planting and
timberstand improvement.

Farmland Protection Program (FPP) This new program protects soil by
encouraging landowners to limit conversion of their farmland to
nonagricultural uses. States, Indian tribes, or local governments
administer all aspects of acquiring lands that are in FPP except when it
is more effective and efficient for the Federal Government to do so.
Funds for FPP come from the Commodity Credit Corporation. The Program is
authorized by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996
to protect between 170,000 and 340,000 acres of farmland.

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) This Program assists
producers with environmental and natural resource conservation
improvements on their agricultural lands. One-half of the available
funds are for conservation activities related to livestock production.
Technical assistance, cost-share payments, incentive payments, and
education focus on priority areas and natural resource concerns
identified in cooperation with State technical committees. The program
uses 5- to 10-year contracts based on conservation plans, as well as a
priority evaluation process to maximize environmental benefits per
dollar expended. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the rulemaking
process, establishes criteria for EQIP assistance, including determining
standards for large livestock operations which will be ineligible for
cost sharing to construct animal waste management facilities.

Conservation Farm Option This pilot program for producers of wheat,
feed grains, cotton, and rice is open to owners or operators of farms
that have a production flexibility contract. Under the program,
producers may receive one consolidated USDA program payment in lieu of a
list of specified payments. The producers must implement a conservation
plan that addresses soil, water, and related resources; water quality;
wetlands; and wildlife habitat. Participation is voluntary and is based
on a 10-year contract.

Farms-for-the-Future Program This program guarantees USDA loans and
subsidizes interest on State loans to purchase agricultural land or
development rights to preserve vital farmland resources for future
generations. The money also can be reinvested by the States to generate
earnings for future farmland protection efforts.

For further information, contact the Management Services Division,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O.
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013. Phone, 202-690-4811.

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Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250

Phone, 202-401-9129
Director Philip H. Hudson
Deputy Director Lynn Edwards
Program Director, Center for Applied Technology Nat Hopkins
Program Director, Correspondence Study Norma Harwood
Program Director, Evening and Saturday Ronald MacNab
Program Director, Government Audit Training Donald Smuland
Institute
Program Director, International Institute for Robert Brown
Training and Education

[[Page 141]]
Director of Communications Terry Toomey
Director of Administration Robert Kies
Director, Career Development Programs Lew Taylor
Director, Technology Enabled Learning David Lamp
Director, National Independent Study Center Mike Allen
Director, Midwest Training Center Cynthia Rudmann
Director, National Capital Training Center Nancy Randa
Director, Northeast Training Center Frank Bauer
Director, Southeast Training Center David Hitt
Director, Southwest Training Center Tony Gutierrez
Director, Western Training Center Maureen Hetzel
Registrar Carolyn Nelson

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a continuing
education school offering career-related training to adults. It is self-
supporting and does not receive direct appropriated funds from Congress
or the Department of Agriculture. Fees charged individuals and
Government agencies are nominal. Courses are planned with the assistance
of Government professionals and specialists.
The faculty is mostly part-time and is drawn from throughout
Government and the community at large. They are selected because of
their professional and specialized knowledge and experience and thus
bring a practicality and experience to their classrooms. Faculty holding
regular Government positions take annual leave or leave without pay when
teaching during their normal work hours.
The school does not grant degrees but does provide planned sequences
of courses leading to certificates of accomplishment in a number of
occupational and career fields important to government. Training areas
include management, auditing, computer science, communications, foreign
language, procurement, financial management, and others.
The Graduate School's objective is to improve Government services by
providing needed continuing education and training opportunities for
Government employees and agencies.
The Graduate School, administered by a Director and governed by a
General Administration Board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture,
was established by the Secretary of Agriculture on September 2, 1921,
pursuant to act of May 15, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 2201); joint resolution of
April 12, 1892 (27 Stat. 395); and the Deficiencies Appropriation Act of
March 3, 1901 (20 U.S.C. 91).
In July 1995, through a memorandum of understanding between the U.S.
Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Agriculture, the
Graduate School acquired many of the training offices formerly operated
by the Office of Personnel Management.

For further information, contact the Communications Office, Graduate
School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 129, 600 Maryland Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone, 202-401-9129.

Sources of Information

Consumer Activities Educational, organizational, and financial
assistance is offered to consumers and their families in such fields as
rural housing and farm operating programs, improved nutrition, family
living and recreation, food stamp, school lunch, donated foods, and
other food programs. Contact the Office of Public Affairs, Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.

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Contracts and Small Business Activities Contact the Office of Small and
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7117.

Employment Most jobs in the Department are in the competitive service
and are filled by applicants who have established eligibility under an
appropriate examination administered by the Office of Personnel
Management or Department Special Examining Units.
General employment inquiries should be directed to the agencies.
Persons interested in employment in the Food and Consumer Service
should contact the regional offices located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Robbinsville, NJ, or the national
headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Phone, 703-305-2351.
Persons interested in employment in the Office of the Inspector
General should contact the USDA Office of Personnel, Room 31-W, Jamie L.
Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5781.
In addition, all Forest Service field offices (addresses indicated
in the preceding text) accept employment applications.

Environment Educational, organizational, technical, and financial
assistance is offered to local citizens, organizations, and communities
in such fields as watershed protection, flood prevention, soil and water
conservation practices to reduce erosion and sedimentation, community
water and waste disposal systems, safe use of pesticides, and the
development of pesticide alternatives.
Contact the nearest county extension agent or USDA office, or write
to the Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture, Washington,
DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.

Films Motion pictures on a variety of agricultural subjects are
available for loan through various State Extension Service film
libraries. Contact the Video, Teleconference, and Radio Center, Office
of Communications, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, for
a listing of cooperating film libraries. Phone, 202-720-6072.
Color filmstrips and slide sets on a variety of subjects are
available for purchase. For a listing of titles and prices, contact the
Photography Center, Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-6633.

Whistleblower Hotline Persons wishing to register complaints of alleged
improprieties concerning the Department should contact one of the
regional offices or the Inspector General's whistleblower hotline.
Phone, 800-424-9121 (toll-free, outside Washington, DC); 202-690-1622
(within the Washington, DC, metropolitan area); or 202-690-1202 (TDD).

Reading Rooms Located at each USDA agency at addresses indicated in the
preceding text.

Speakers Contact the nearest Department of Agriculture office or county
Extension agent. In the District of Columbia, contact the Office of
Public Liaison, Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2798.

For further information concerning the Department of Agriculture,
contact the Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture,
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.