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Our Agency

Organic leafy greens growing in the People’s Garden.

About USDA

Our vision is to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation's natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.

Southern Appalachia brook trout are cherished as a cultural emblem of the rugged and lush mountain forests including the Cherokee National Forest and are an important signal of the highest quality drinking water. Travis Scott, a fish biologist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, releases young brook trout into one of the forest’s headwater streams. (Copyright photo courtesy Freshwaters Illustrated/Dave Herasimtschuk)

Agencies

Our agencies help to keep America's farmers and ranchers in business and ensure that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. They also help to ensure the health and care of animals and plants and the health of the land through sustainable management, and they work to improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) employee processes the grain test results and export clearance forms at the USDA GIPSA FGIS inspection laboratory in New Orleans, LA.

Staff Offices

USDA is made up of 29 agencies and offices with nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American people at more than 4,500 locations across the country and abroad. Our offices provide support to Department officials and employees at all levels and they support our programs and services by working with our agencies, Congress, organizations, and tribal governments.

(L to R) Communications majors from Kennesaw State University, Georgia student Freddy Marquez-Moreno, University of Texas, El Paso student Tanya Flores, and Barry University and Miami Shores, Florida student Ileana Alamo listen to speakers at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Hispanic Association of Colleges and University (HACU) and Tribal College interns during their orientation at USDA.

Careers

USDA is proud to be ranked in the Top 10 Best Places to Work. We offer a variety of career opportunities, including pathway programs for students, and provide employment resources through our Office of Human Resources Management.