[DOCID:201944tx_xxx-30]
From the Government Manual Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone, 202-720-4623. Internet, www.usda.gov.
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE Mike Johanns
Deputy Secretary Charles F. Conner
Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign J.B. Penn
Agricultural Services
Deputy Under Secretaries Jim Butler, Floyd
Gaibler
Administrator, Farm Service Agency James Little
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Ellen Terpstra
Service
Administrator, Risk Management Ross J. Davidson, Jr.
Agency
Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Eric M. Bost
Consumer Services
Deputy Under Secretary Kate Coler
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Roberto Salazar
Service
Executive Director, Center for Eric Hentges
Nutrition Policy and
Promotion
Under Secretary for Food Safety Merle D. Pierson,
Acting
Deputy Under Secretary Merle D. Pierson
Administrator, Food Safety and Barbara Masters,
Inspection Service Acting
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Mark E. Rey
Environment
Deputy Under Secretaries Merlyn Carlson, Dave
Tenny
Chief, Forest Service Dale Bosworth
Chief, Natural Resources Bruce Knight
Conservation Service
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Joseph J. Jen
Economics
Deputy Under Secretary Rodney J. Brown
Administrator, Agricultural Research Edward B. Knipling
Service
Administrator, Cooperative State Colien Hefferan
Research, Education, and
Extension Service
Administrator, Economic Research Susan E. Offutt
Service
Administrator, National Agricultural Ron Bosecker
Statistics Service
Under Secretary for Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez,
Acting
Deputy Under Secretary Gilbert Gonzalez
Administrator, Rural Business- Peter Thomas
Cooperative Service
Administrator, Rural Housing Service Russell Davis
Administrator, Rural Utilities Curtis Anderson
Service
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Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations Mary Waters
Deputy Assistant Secretary Mike Torrey
Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory William T. Hawks
Programs
Deputy Under Secretary Chuck Lambert
Administrator, Agricultural (vacancy)
Marketing Service
Administrator, Animal and Plant Ron DeHaven
Health Inspection Service
Administrator, Grain Inspection, (vacancy)
Packers, and Stockyards
Administration
Assistant Secretary for Administration Michael J. Harrison
Deputy Assistant Secretary John Surina
Chairman, Board of Contract Appeals Howard A. Pollack
Judicial Officer William G. Jenson
Chief Judge, Administrative Law Marc Hillson
Judges
Director, Office of Ethics Raymond Sheehan
Director, Office of Human Capital Ruthie F. Jackson
Management
Director, Office of Operations Priscilla Carey
Director, Office of Procurement and W.R. Ashworth
Property Management
Director, Office of Small and James House
Disadvantaged Business
Utilization
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Vernon Parker
Deputy Assistant Secretary (vacancy)
Associate Assistant Secretary Clyde Thompson
Director, Office of Civil Rights Sadhna G. True
Director, Office of Outreach Gladys Vaughn
Chief Information Officer Scott Charbo
Deputy Chief Information Officer Dave Combs, Acting
Chief Financial Officer Patricia Healy, Acting
Deputy Chief Financial Officer Patricia Healy
General Counsel (vacancy)
Deputy General Counsel J. Michael Kelly
Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong
Deputy Inspector General Joyce N. Fleischman
Director, Office of Communications Terri Teuber
Chief Economist Keith Collins
Deputy Chief Economist Joseph Glauber
Director, Office of Risk Assessment James Schaub
and Cost-Benefit Analysis
Chairman, World Agricultural Outlook Gerald Bange
Board
Director, Global Change Program Office William Hohenstein
Director, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses Roger Conway
Director, National Appeals Division Roger J. Klurfeld
Director, Office of Budget and Program Analysis (vacancy)
Director, Office of the Executive Secretariat Bruce Bundick
[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
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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).
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 the Chief Information
Officer, Office of Communications, Office of Congressional and
Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the Inspector General, and the
Office of the General Counsel.
Rural Development
USDA's rural development mission is to assist rural Americans to
increase their economic opportunities and improve their quality of life.
To accomplish this, USDA works to foster new cooperative relationships
among Government, industry, and communities. As a capital investment
bank, USDA provides financing for rural housing and community
facilities, business and cooperative development, telephone and high-
speed Internet access, electric, water, and sewer infrastructure.
Approximately 800 rural development field offices, staffed by 7,000
employees, provide frontline delivery of rural development loan and
grant programs at the local level.
Rural Business-Cooperative Programs
To meet business credit needs in underserved areas, USDA rural
developmentbusinessprograms are usually leveraged with commercial,
cooperative, or other private sector lenders. USDA's business programs
are as follows:
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans This program helps create jobs
and stimulates rural economies by providing financial backing for rural
businesses. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, machinery and
equipment, buildings and real estate, and certain types of debt
refinancing.
Business Enterprise 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. 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.
Business Opportunities 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.
Renewable Energyand Efficiency Loansand Grants This program encourages
agricultural producers and small rural businessesto create renewable and
energy-efficient systems.
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Cooperative Development 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, and encourage the development of value-added ventures.
Cooperative Opportunities and Problems Research This program encourages
research, funded through cooperative agreements, on critical issues
vital to the development and sustainability of agricultural and other
rural cooperatives as a means of improving the quality of life in
America's rural communities.
Cooperative Program 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. A bimonthly magazine, Rural Cooperatives,
reports current developments and research for cooperative management
leadership.
Economic Development These loans and grants finance economic
development and job creation projects based on sound economic plans in
rural areas. Loans and grants are available to any eligible USDA
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 finance business startup ventures and business expansion
projects. Grants are made to eligible 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 business or 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.
Intermediary Relending These loans finance business facilities and
community development projects in rural areas. The Service lends these
funds to intermediaries, which in turn provide loans to recipients who
are developing business facilities or community development projects.
Sheep Industry The National Sheep Industry Improvement 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 and business development,
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.
Technology Transfer 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.
For further information, contact the Rural Development, Legislative and
Public Affairs Staff, Stop 0705, Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-4323.
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Rural Housing Programs
Rural Developmentprovides affordable rental housing, homeownership
opportunities, and essential community facilities to rural Americans
through a broad array of direct loan, guarantee, and grant programs.
Rural residents and communities may inquire about any of these programs
through local and State rural development offices. It also provides
financial and management assistance through the following services:
--guaranteed single-family housing (SFH) loans which guarantee loans
made by commercial lenders to moderate-income rural residents with
sufficient income and acceptable credit, who may lack the downpayment to
secure a loan without assistance;
--direct SFH loans made available to people with incomes less than
80 percent of area median, to build, purchase, and repair rural homes;
--home improvement and repair loans and grants for owner-occupants
to remove health and safety hazards from a home;
--mutual self-help housing technical assistance grants for nonprofit
organizations and public bodies to help groups of six to eight very low-
and low-income families to build their own homes by providing ``sweat
equity'' which reduces the families' mortgages;
--rural housing site loans for private or public nonprofit
organizations to purchase sites for the development of housing for very
low- and low-income families;
--direct and guaranteed multi-family housing loans for private
nonprofit corporations, consumer cooperatives, State or local public
agencies, and individuals or organizations operating on a nonprofit or
limited profit basis to provide rental or cooperative housing in rural
areas for persons of very low, low, and moderate income;
--farm labor housing loans and grants enabling farmers, public or
private nonprofit organizations, or units of local government to build,
buy, or rehabilitate farm labor housing;
--housing preservation grants 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;
--housing for the homeless, SFH real-estate-owned (REO) property to
nonprofit organizations or public bodies for transitional housing for
the homeless and to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to house
families affected by natural disasters; and
--community program loans, direct and guaranteed loans and grants
for public and quasi-public bodies, nonprofit associations, and Indian
tribes for essential community facilities such as health care centers,
public safety buildings and vehicles, and child care centers.
For further information, contact the Rural Development, Legislative and
Public Affairs Staff, Stop 0705, Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-4323.
Rural Utilities Programs
Rural Development assists rural electric and telecommunications
utilitiesin obtaining financing and administers a nationwide water and
wasteloanand grantprogram to improve the quality of life and promote
economic development in rural America. A total of 890 rural electric and
800 rural telecommunications 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. It also provides assistance through the following
programs:
--The electric program provides loans for improving electric service
to persons in rural areas, including construction of electric generating
plants and transmission and distribution lines to provide reliable
electric service.
--The telecommunications program provides telephone service and
high-speed Internet access in rural areas.
--The water and waste direct and guaranteed loan program provides
assistance to develop water and wastewater systems, including solid
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waste disposal and storm drainage, in rural areas, cities, and towns.
--Water and waste disposal grants assist in reducing water and waste
disposal costs to a reasonable level for users of the system.
--Emergency community water assistance grants provide assistance to
rural communities experiencing a significant decline in quantity or
quality of drinking water.
--Technical assistance and training grants are available to
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.
--Solid waste management grants are available for nonprofit
organizations and public bodies to provide technical assistance and
training to rural areas and towns to reduce or eliminate pollution of
water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste
facilities.
--The rural water circuit rider technical assistance program
provides, through the National Rural Water Association, technical
assistance to rural water systems to solve operational, financial, and
management problems.
--The distance learning and telemedicine program provides assistance
to help rural schools and health care providers invest in
telecommunications facilities and equipment to bring to rural areas
educational and medical resources that otherwise might be unavailable.
--Rural Development also guarantees loans from the Department of the
Treasury's Federal Financing Bank (FFB), which it lends to borrowers,
primarily for large-scale electric and telecommunication facilities. It
may also guarantee electric and telecommunications loans from private
sources.
For further information, contact the Rural Development Legislative and
Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0705, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-4323.
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, certification, market
news, marketing orders, research and promotion, and regulatory programs.
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, shipments, prices, location, quality, condition,
and other market data on farm products in specific markets and marketing
areas. The data is disseminated nationally via the Internet and other
electronic means and is shared with several countries. The Service also
assists other countries in developing their own marketing information
systems.
Standardization, Grading, and Classing Nearly 600 grade standards have
been established for some 230 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 commodity standards to facilitate trade.
Grading and classing services are provided to certify the grade and
quality of products. These grading services are
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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 is
also responsible for testing seed.
Laboratory Testing The Service provides microbiological, chemical, and
other scientificlaboratory support to its commodity and foodprocurement
programs, testing peanuts for aflatoxin, and testing seeds for
germination and purity. The Agency also carries out quality assurance
and safety oversight activities for its milk market laboratories,
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 33 agricultural
commodities for pesticides residue. 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.
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. The Service provides voluntary laboratory analyses of
egg products, and monitors the disposition of restricted shell eggs--
eggs that are a potential health hazard.
Marketing Agreements and Orders The Service administers marketing
agreements and orders 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 promote product quality control and 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 the orderly
marketing of commodities facilitated by these programs, the interests of
both producers and consumers are protected.
Plant Variety Protection Program 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 20 years for non-woody plants and 25 years for
woody plants.
Research and Promotion Programs The Service monitors certain industry-
sponsored research, promotion, and information programs authorized by
Federal laws. These programs provide farmers and processors with a means
to finance and operate various research, promotion, and information
activities for cotton, potatoes, eggs, milk and dairy products, beef,
pork, honey, watermelon, mushrooms, soybeans, blueberries, avocados,
peanuts, and popcorn.
Transportation Programs The Service is also responsible for the
promotion 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
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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.
Organic Standards The Service, with the assistance of the National
Organic Standards Board, develops 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 improve the handling of all agricultural products
as they move from farm to consumers; for increasing marketing efficiency
by developing improved operating methods and facilities; and for
certifying equipment for processing, handling, and distributing dairy,
poultry, and meat products.
Pesticide Recordkeeping Program The Agricultural Marketing Service
manages the Pesticide Recordkeeping Program in coordination with State
agencies, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and the
Environmental Protection Agency. The Service has developed educational
programs and works with State agencies in inspecting applicator records.
For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Room 3510, South
Agriculture Building, Stop 0273, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-
8998 or visit the Web site at www.ams.usda.gov.
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
depredation caused by birds, rodents, and predators.
Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) Biotechnology regulatory
officials are responsible for regulating the importation, movement, and
field release of genetically engineered plants, insects, microorganisms,
and any other known organism or potential plant pest.
BRS regulations are designed to ensure that genetically engineered
organisms, such as herbicide-tolerant cotton or virus -resistant
papayas, are just as safe for agriculture and the environment as
traditionally bred crop varieties. In regulating biotechnology, BRS
works in concert with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food
and Drug Administration, agencies that also play important roles in
protecting agriculture, a safe foodsupply, and the environment. BRS
involvement begins when a person or organization wishes to import, move
across a State line, or field-test a genetically engineered plant. These
activities are subject to the BRS permitting and notification system.
Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 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.
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PPQ officials develop Federal regulations and policies 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. These regulations and policies, in conjunction with
inspections conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) help protect agricultural production and
natural resources from pests and diseases. CBP maintains inspection
services at all major sea, air, and land border ports of entry into the
United States. PPQ continues to be present at many of these locations to
take regulatory action on prohibited or restricted products that are
found.
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
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 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.
Wildlife Services Wildlife services 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; suppress serious nuisances and threats
to public health and safety caused by birds, rodents, and other wildlife
in urban and rural communities; and 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.
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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) was
established in 1994 to facilitate the marketing of livestock, poultry,
meat, cereals, oilseeds, and related agricultural products, and to
promote fair and competitive trading practices for the overall benefit
of consumers and American agriculture. The Agency's mission is carried
out in two different segments of American agriculture. The Federal Grain
Inspection Service provides the U.S. grain market with Federal quality
standards and a uniform system for applying them. The Packers and
Stockyards Programs (P&SP) enforces the Packers and Stockyards Act of
1921 (P&S Act), 7 U.S.C. 181 et seq., to promote fair and competitive
marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries.
GIPSA also certifies State central filing systems for notification of
liens against farm products. GIPSA is responsible for establishing
official U.S. standards for grain and other assigned commodities, and
for administering a nationwide official inspection and weighing system.
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.
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.
Standardization The Administration is responsible for establishing,
maintaining, and revising official U.S. standards 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 to improve 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. 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.
Packers and Stockyards Activities The P&S Act prohibits unfair,
deceptive, anti-competitive, and fraudulent practices by market
agencies, dealers, packers, swine contactors, and live poultry dealers
in those particular industries. The P&S Act protects producers and
poultry growers by requiring most regulated entities to obtain bonds and
meet strict payment requirements. To protect unpaid cash sellers of
livestock, packers are subject to trust provisions which require that
livestock and related investments or proceeds from meat, meat food
products, or livestock products derived from them be held in trust for
unpaid sellers until payment is made in full. A similar provision exists
for live poultry dealers to protect growers. P&SP analyzes all trust and
bond claims as a courtesy to the
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regulated industries. It is also responsible for the Truth-in-Lending
Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act as each relates to persons and
firms subject to the P&S Act. P&SP carries out the Secretary's
responsibilities under section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985
pertaining to State-established central filing systems to prenotify
buyers, commission merchants, and selling agents of security interests
against farm products. GIPSA administers the section of the statute
commonly referred to as the ``Clear Title'' provision and certifies
qualifying State systems.
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.).
Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Federal meat and poultry
inspection is mandatory for cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs,
horses (and other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas
used for human food. The work includes inspection of each animal or bird
at slaughter, and inspection of processed products during various stages
of production. 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.
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 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; conducts voluntary reimbursed inspection for rabbits, other
domestic food animals, bison, other exotic food animals, ratites, and
certain egg products not covered by the inspection law; 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.
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. Internet, www.usda.gov/agency/fsis/homepage.htm.
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Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services
The mission of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services is to reduce
hunger and food insecurity, in partnership with cooperating
organizations, by providing access to food, a healthful diet, and
nutrition education to children and needy people in a manner that
supports American agriculture.
Food and Nutrition Service
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the USDA food
assistance programs. These programs, which serve one in six Americans,
represent our Nation's commitment to the principle that no one in this
country should fear hunger or experience want. They provide a Federal
safety net to people in need. 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 distributing foods purchased under farmer
assistance authorities.
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 FNS provides commodities and funding for additional food and to
cover administrative costs. FNS 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 retail stores approved by the Food and Nutrition Service to
accept and redeem the benefits.
--The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
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. WIC participants
receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized
farmers.
--The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a 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. More than half of 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 free or
low-cost breakfasts that meet established nutritional standards.
--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.
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--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 in lieu of food stamps.
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 Programs for Puerto Rico and the Northern
Marianas are block grant programs that replace the Food Stamp Programs
in these two territories and provide cash and coupons to resident
participants.
--The Nutrition Education and Training Program grants funds to
States for the development and dissemination of nutrition information
and materials to children and for training of food service and teaching
personnel.
For further information, contact the Public Information Officer, Food
and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA 22302.
Phone, 703-305-2286. Internet, www.usda.gov/fns.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 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,
www.cnpp.usda.gov.
Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services
Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers farm commodity, crop
insurance, and resource conservation programs for farmers and ranchers,
and makes and guarantees farm emergency, ownership, and operating loans
through a network of State and county offices.
Farm Commodity Programs The Agency manages commodity programs such as
the direct and countercyclical program, commodity and livestock disaster
programs, marketing assistance loan programs, noninsured crop disaster
assistance programs, and the tobacco transition payment program. It
administers commodity loan programs for wheat, rice, corn, grain
sorghum, barley, oats, oilseeds, tobacco, peanuts, upland and extra-
long-staple cotton, and sugar. FSA provides operating personnel for the
Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), A Government-owned and operated
organization providing short-term loans using the commodity as
collateral, providing farmers with interim financing and orderly
distribution of farm commodities throughout the year and in times of
surplus and scarcity.
Farm Loan Programs FSA makes and guarantees loans to family farmers and
ranchers to purchase farmland and finance agricultural production. These
programs help farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain private
commercial credit. These may be beginning farmers who have insufficient
net worth to qualify for commercial credit, who have suffered financial
setbacks from natural disasters, or who have limited resources with
which to establish and maintain profitable farming operations.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) NAP provides
catastrophic crop loss protection for crops not covered by Federal crop
insurance. Crops that are eligible include
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commercial crops grown for food and fiber, floriculture, ornamental
nursery products, Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed crops,
aquaculture (including ornamental fish such as goldfish), and industrial
crops. Losses resulting from natural disasters not covered by the crop
insurance policy may also be eligible for NAP assistance. NAP does not
include trees grown for wood, paper, or pulp products.
Other 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 loss of a substantial amount of their
normal feed production.
Conservation Programs FSA's conservation programs include enhancement
of wildlife habitat and water and air quality. The Conservation Reserve
Program is the Federal Government's single largest environmental
improvement program on private lands. It safeguards millions of acres of
topsoil from erosion improving air quality, increasing wildlife habitat,
and protecting ground and surface water by reducing water runoff and
sedimentation. 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.
Commodity Operations Commodity operations facilitates the storage,
management, and disposition of the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust,
commodities used to meet humanitarian needs abroad, and commodities such
as wheat, feed grains, sugar, and cotton acquired through the commodity
loan programs. Commodity operations administers the United States
Warehouse Act (USWA) which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to
license warehouse operators who store agricultural products. Warehouse
operators that apply must meet the USDA standards established within the
USWA and its regulations. Under the milk price supportprogram, the
Commodity Credit Corporation buys surplus butter, cheese, and nonfat dry
milk from processors at announced prices to supportthe price of milk.
These purchases help maintain market prices at the legislated support
level, and the surplus commodities are used for hunger relief both
domestically and internationally. Commodity operations also coordinates
with other Government agencies to provide surplus commodities and to
purchase commodities for the National School Lunch Program and other
domestic feeding programs.
For further information, contact the Public Affairs Branch, Farm Service
Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0506, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5237. Internet,
www.fsa.usda.gov.
Commodity Credit Corporation
The Commodity Credit Corporation was organized in 1933, and was managed
and operated in close affiliation with the Reconstruction Finance
Corporation until 1939, when it was transferred to the Department of
Agriculture. CCC stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and
prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of
agricultural commodities and their products, and facilitates the orderly
distribution of commodities.
Foreign Assistance 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. Agricultural commodities
are supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to
encourage economic development in developing countries. In addition,
under the Food for Progress Program, the Corporation supplies
commodities to provide assistance to developing democracies.
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For further information, contact the Information Division, Foreign
Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Stop 1004, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7115. Fax,
202-720-1727.
Risk Management Agency
The Risk Management Agency (RMA), via the Federal Crop
InsuranceCorporation (FCIC), oversees and administers the crop
insuranceprogram under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
Crop insurance is offered to qualifying producers through 16 private
sector crop insurance companies. Under the new Standard Reinsurance
Agreement (SRA), RMA provides reinsurance, pays premium subsidies,
reimburses insurers for administrative and operating costs and oversees
the financial integrity, and operational performance of the delivery
system. RMA bears much of the non-commercial insurance risk under the
SRA, allowing insurers to retain commercial insurance risks or reinsure
those risks in the private market.
In 2005, the Federal crop insurance program is expected to provide
producers with more than $40 billion in protection on approximately 220
million acres through about 1.2 million policies. There are 22 insurance
plans available and nearly 30 new insurance products under various
stages of evaluation or development.
RMA is also working closely with the private sector to find new and
innovative ways to provide expanded coverage. This includes risk
protection for specialty crops, livestock and forage, and rangeland and
pasture. Thus, RMA is able to reduce the need for ad hoc disaster bills
and available coverage caused by long-term production declines that
result from extended droughtin many areas.
Additional information about RMA can be found on its Web site
(www.rma.usda.gov), including Agency news, State profiles, publications,
announcements on current issues, summaries of insurance sales, pilot
programs, downloadable crop policies, and agency-sponsored events. The
site also features online tools, calculators, and applications.
For further information, contact the Office of the Administrator, Risk
Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0801, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-690-2803.
Internet, www.rma.usda.gov.
Foreign Agricultural Service
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has primary responsibility for
USDA's 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 with staff
posted in 130 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
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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,
maintain, and expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural
products. It carries out programs with nonprofit commodity groups, trade
associations, and State agriculture departments and their regional
associations. It manages market opportunity referral services and
organizes trade fairs and sales teams.
The Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) and the Intermediate
Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-103) provide guarantees on private
financing of U.S. exports to foreign buyers purchasing on credit terms.
The Supplier Credit Guarantee Program guarantees a portion of a
payment due for purchase of U.S. agricultural products for import, for
which the exporter has directly extended short-term financing.
The Facility Guarantee Program facilitates the financing of U.S.-
manufactured goods and services exported to emerging markets.
The Emerging Markets Program promotes agricultural exports to
emerging markets through sharing U.S. agricultural expertise by
technical assistance.
The Export Enhancement Program and the Dairy Export Incentive
Program are export assistance programs designed to counter or offset the
adverse effects from competitors' unfair trade practices on U.S.
agriculture.
The Market Access Program provides cost-share assistance to trade
promotion organizations, cooperatives, and small businesses to help fund
their market development activities overseas.
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 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.
For further information, contact the Public Affairs Division, Foreign
Agricultural Service, Stop 1004, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1004. Phone, 202-720-
7115. Fax, 202-720-1727. Internet, www.fas.usda.gov.
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 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 (ARS) conducts research to develop and
transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority.
It
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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.
Research activities are carried out at 103 domestic locations
(including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 5 overseas
locations. Much of this research is conducted in cooperation with
partners in State universities and experiment stations, other Federal
agencies, and private organizations. National Programs, 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.
National Agricultural Library
The National Agricultural Library (NAL) is the primary resource in the
United States for information about food, agriculture, and natural
resources, and serves as an electronic gateway to a widening array of
scientific literature, printed text, and agricultural images. The
Library serves USDA and a broad customer base including policymakers,
agricultural specialists, research scientists, and the general public.
The library works with other agricultural libraries and institutions to
advance open and democratic access to information about agriculture and
the Nation's agricultural knowledge.
Information is made available through Web sites, loans, photocopies,
reference services, and literature searches. NAL maintains public
reading rooms in the South Building at USDA Headquarters, District of
Columbia, and at the main library in the Abraham Lincoln Building,
Beltsville, Maryland.
The library maintains more than 63,000 Web pages and in 2004
delivered more than 54 million direct customer services throughout the
world via its Web site (www.nal.usda.gov).
NAL's eight national information centers are specialized gateways to
science-based information in key areas of agriculture, including
alternative farming systems (www.nal.usda.gov/afsic), animal welfare
(www.nal.usda.gov/awic), food and nutrition (www.nal.usda.gov/fnic),
food safety (www.nal.usda.gov/foodsafety), rural revitalization (www.
nal.usda.gov/ric), technology transfer (www.nal.usda.gov/ttic), and
water quality (www.nal.usda.gov/wqic). These centers collaborate with
other organizations throughout the Government to provide timely,
accurate, comprehensive, and in-depth coverage within their subject
areas.
In addition to its own Web-based services, the Library maintains the
following Governmentwide Web portals: www.science.gov,
www.nutrition.gov, and www.invasivespecies.gov.
NAL's AGRICOLA (AGRICultural OnLine Access) bibliographic database,
http://agricola.nal.usda.gov, contains more than 4 million citations to
agricultural literature with links to the full text of many
publications. NAL provides a broad base of users with no-cost access to
this information.
NAL is also part of the AgNIC Alliance (Agriculture Network
Information Center), www.agnic.org, which is a distributed collaboration
of over 55 institutions to meet local, national, and international needs
in a cost-effective manner.
For further information, contact the Public Affairs Officer, USDA
National Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD
20705-2351. Phone, 301-504-1668. Fax, 301-504-7042. E-mail,
director@nal.usda.gov. Internet, www.nal.usda.gov.
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
(CSREES) links the research and education resources and activities of
USDA and works with academic and land-grant institutions throughout the
Nation. In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES advances
a global system of research, extension, and higher education in the food
and
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agricultural sciences and related environmental and human sciences to
benefit people, communities, and the Nation.
CSREES' 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, consumers, families, and
community leaders to improve social conditions in the United States and
around the world. 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.
CSREES provides research, extension, and education leadership
through programs in plant and animal systems; natural resources and
environment; economic and community systems; families, 4-H, and
nutrition; competitive research and integrated research, education, and
extension programs and awards management; science and education
resources development; and information systems and technology
management.
CSREES' partnership with the land-grant universities is critical to
the effective shared planning, delivery, and accountability for
research, higher education, and extension programs.
For further information, contact the Communications Staff, Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-2207.
Phone, 202-720-4651. Fax, 202-690-0289. E-mail, CSREES@csrees.usda.gov.
Internet, www.csrees.usda.gov.
Economic Research Service
The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to inform and
enhance public and private decisionmaking on economic and policy issues
related to agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development.
Activities to support this mission and the following goals involve
research and development of economic and statisticalindicators on a
broad range of topics including, but not limited to, global agricultural
market conditions, trade restrictions, agribusiness concentration, farm
and retail food prices, foodborne illnesses, food labeling, nutrition,
food assistance programs, worker safety, agrichemical usage, livestock
waste management, conservation, sustainability, genetic diversity,
technology transfer, rural infrastructure, and rural employment.
Research results and economic indicators on such important agricultural,
food, natural resource, and rural issues are fully disseminated to
public and private decisionmakers through published and electronic
reports and articles; special staff analyses, briefings, presentations,
and papers; databases; and individual contacts. Through such activities,
ERS provides public and private decisionmakers with economic and related
social science information and analysis in support of the Department's
goals of enhancing economic opportunities for agricultural producers;
supporting economic opportunities and quality of life in rural America;
enhancing the protection and safety of U.S. agriculture and food;
improving U.S. nutrition and health; and enhancing the natural resource
base and environment. More information on ERS's program is contained on
the ERS Web site (www.ers.usda.gov).
For further information, contact the Information Services Division,
Economics Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC
20036-5831. Phone, 202-694-5100. Fax, 202-694-5641.
National Agricultural Statistics Service
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) prepares estimates
and reports on production, supply, price, chemical use, and other items
necessary for the orderly operation of the U.S. agricultural economy.
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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.
NASS is responsible for conducting the Census of Agriculture. The
Census of Agriculture is taken every 5 years and provides comprehensive
data on the agricultural economy down to the county level. Periodic
reports are also issued on aquacultures, irrigation and horticultural
specialties.
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, 202-720-2707. Fax, 202-
720-9013.
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 mission of the Forest Service is
to achieve quality land management under the sustainable, multiple-use
management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. It's objectives
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;
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--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.
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.
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 forests
and rangelands. The Service's forest research 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.
Manpower 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.
For further information, contact the Office of Communications, Forest
Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC
20090-6090. Phone, 202-205-8333.
Field Offices--Forest Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region/Station/Area Address
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Forest System Regions--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
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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
Research Stations--Director
Forest Products Laboratory 1 Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53705
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 28802
State and Private Forestry Areas--Director
Northeastern Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd., P.O. Box
6775, Radnor, PA 19087-4585
International Institute of UPR Experimental Station Grounds, Botanical
Tropical Forestry Garden, Call Box 25000, Rio Piedras, PR
00928
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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.
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.
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.
Environmental Quality Incentive Program 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, including such areas as
nutrient management, pest management, and grazing land management.
Farmland Protection Program (FPP) This 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 the FPP, except
when it is more effective and efficient for the Federal Government to do
so.
Forestry Incentives Program This program helps to increase the Nation's
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
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incurred by landowners for tree planting and timberstand improvement.
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.
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.
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 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.
Small Watersheds Program The 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 helps local community
groups, government entities, and private landowners working together
using an integrated, comprehensive watershed approach to natural
resource planning.
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 the Western States and Alaska.
WatershedSurveys and Planning This program assists Federal, State, and
local agencies and tribal governments in protecting watersheds from
damage caused by erosion, floodwater, and sediment and conserves and
develops water and land resources. Resource concerns addressed by the
program include water quality, water conservation, wetland and water
storage capacity, agricultural drought problems, rural
development,municipal and industrial water needs, upstream flood
damages, and water needs for fish, wildlife,and forest-based industries.
Types of surveys and plans include watershed plans, river basin surveys
and studies, flood hazard analysis, and flood plain
managementassistance. The focus of these plans is to identify solutions
that
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use land treatment and nonstructural measures to solve resource
problems.
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.
WildlifeHabitatIncentives Program This program provides financial
incentives to develop habitats for fish and wildlife on private lands.
Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan, and
USDA agrees to provide cost-share assistance for the initial
implementation of wildlife habitat development practices. USDA and
program participants enter into a cost-share agreement for wildlife
habitat development, which generally lasts a minimum of 10 years from
the date that the contract is signed.
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, 888-744-4723
Executive Director Jerry Ice
Deputy Executive Director Lynn Edwards
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The Graduate School was established by act of May 15, 1862 (7 U.S.C.
2201). It is a continuing education school offering career-related
training to adults. Courses are planned with the assistance of
Government professionals and specialists. The Graduate School's
objective is to improve Government services by providing needed
continuing education and training opportunities for Government employees
and agencies.
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.
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.
For further information, contact the Communications Office, Graduate
School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 270, 600 Maryland Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone, 888-744-4723.
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.
Contracts and Small Business Activities To obtain information about
contracting or subcontracting opportunities, attending small business
outreach
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activities, or how to do business with USDA, contact the Office of Small
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Phone, 202-720-7117. Internet,
www.usda.gov/da/smallbus.html.
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
information is available at www.usajobs.opm.gov.
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).
Fax, 202-690-2474.
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, 202-720-4623. Internet, www.usda.gov.