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Initiatives and Highlighted Programs

Agriculture Innovation Agenda

The AIA is a department-wide effort to align USDA’s resources, programs, and research to provide farmers with the tools they need and to position American agriculture as a leader in the effort to meet the food, fiber, fuel, feed, and climate demands of the future. Specifically, USDA will stimulate innovation so that American agriculture can achieve the goal of increasing U.S. agricultural production by 40 percent while cutting the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture in half by 2050.

Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) is the largest and most successful workplace charitable giving drive in the world. CFC is the only authorized charitable organization solicitation of Federal employees in their workplaces. CFC is structured to support and to promote philanthropy through a voluntary program that is cost-efficient and effective in providing all Federal employees the opportunity to impact the CFC charitable interest of their choosing.

Energy

The USDA Energy Web includes an interactive map, graphing analysis tools, and the USDA Energy Matrix. These instruments allow you to view past USDA investments, navigate in a friendly environment USDA energy programs and compare and analyze biofuels and bioenergy data from the USDA.

Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

Progress requires innovative, community-based solutions. That’s why the USDA's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships reaches out and connects government with non-profit organizations - both secular and faith-based - to help people in need. In addition to leading the way in agriculture, natural resources, and food, USDA is committed to strengthen communities and nourishing kids. The Center is here to help communities connect with USDA priorities and programs so that together, we can positively impact lives.

Feds Feed Families

Part of the United We Serve campaign, Feds Feed Families was designed to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during summer months when they traditionally see a decrease in donations and an increase in need. In Washington, D.C., the Capital Area Food Bank receives collections and distributes them through its network of more than 500 partner organizations.

Meat and Poultry Supply Chain

USDA is working to build a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.

National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative (PDF, 165 KB)

USDA has a critical role in supporting the National Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative by providing tools, resources, and scientific research to ensure American farmers and producers remain globally competitive. The initiative will drive federal investments in areas that will define U.S. biotechnology leadership and our economic competitiveness in the coming decades.

USDA CARES Partner Portal

Developed in response to the American Rescue Plan 1006 (ARP 1006) centered on improving equity at federal agencies, The USDA CARES Partner Portal is a resource designed to help USDA partners access the information and tools that are most relevant to their work. It is designed specifically for, and by, those that work with farmers, ranchers and landowners that have been considered historically underserved. The Partner Portal also houses the Key Programs Catalog, a catalog of services that is organized for ease-of-use, according to producer needs and topic of interest.

USDA Science and Research Strategy

The “USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026: Cultivating Scientific Innovation (PDF, 21.4 MB)” presents a near-term vision for transforming U.S. agriculture through science and innovation, and outlines USDA’s highest scientific priorities. The S&RS is a call to action for USDA partners, stakeholders, and customers to join the conversation and help identify innovative research strategies that lead to real-world, practical solutions that help farmers, producers, and communities thrive.

Veterans

USDA is here to help our Nation's veterans as you transition from the military to civilian life. As a military veteran, your leadership training, skills, and perspective can help America meet the challenges of producing food and rebuilding rural and urban communities. We want you to be a part of the next generation feeding the Nation and the world, and USDA can connect you to the resources and help you need to get there.

Women in Agriculture

From the classroom to the farm to the boardroom, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future. As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women are educated, encouraged and empowered to take on the challenges of meeting the world'’s growing food, fuel and fiber needs.

Youth and Agriculture

USDA provides students, parents, and teachers with youth-geared information and resources related to agriculture.