Podcast: USDA – Now You Know

Did you know the U.S. Department of Agriculture is nicknamed The People’s Department? The name was given to the agency by President Abraham Lincoln, who established the USDA in 1862.

Initially, the nickname may have referred to the fact that about half of all Americans in Lincoln's time lived on farms, compared with about two percent these days. Now, though, even in the 21st century, the nickname, the People's Department, is still appropriate because of the breadth and depth of USDA's work. If you eat, USDA touches your life every day – whether you know it or not.

This new podcast series, called “USDA – Now You Know” will look into how USDA continues to be the People’s Department, by helping improve the lives of all Americans through work on food, agriculture, economic development, science, natural resource conservation and a whole host of other issues.