Offices

Departmental Administration (DA)

DA provides central administrative management support to Department officials and coordinates administrative programs and services.

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE)

The Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement develops and maintains partnerships focused on solutions to challenges facing rural and underserved communities in the United States, and connects those communities to the education, tools, and resources available to them through U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and initiatives. We facilitate partnerships and offer education and resources to foster hope and opportunity, wealth creation, and asset building in rural and underserved communities.

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR)

OASCR's mission is to facilitate the fair and equitable treatment of USDA customers and employees, while ensuring the delivery and enforcement of civil rights programs and activities. ASCR ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies for USDA customers and employees regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and expression), religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, political beliefs, parental status, protected genetic information, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all bases apply to all programs.)

Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA)

OBPA provides centralized coordination and direction for the Department's budget, legislative and regulatory functions. It also provides analysis and evaluation to support the implementation of critical policies. OBPA administers the Department's budgetary functions and develops and presents budget-related matters to Congress, the news media, and the public.

Office of the Chief Economist (OCE)

OCE advises the Secretary on the economic situation in agricultural markets and the economic implications of policies and programs affecting American agriculture and rural communities. OCE serves as the focal point for economic intelligence and analysis related to agricultural markets and for risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis related to Departmental regulations affecting food and agriculture.

Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)

OCFO shapes an environment for USDA officials eliciting the high-quality financial performance needed to make and implement effective policy, management, stewardship, and program decisions.

Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

OCIO has the primary responsibility for the supervision and coordination of the design, acquisition, maintenance, use, and disposal of information technology by USDA agencies. OCIO's strategically acquires and uses information technology resources to improve the quality, timeliness and cost-effectiveness of USDA services.

Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS)

OCS provides scientific leadership to the Department by ensuring that research supported by and scientific advice provided to the Department and its stakeholders is held to the highest standards of intellectual rigor and scientific integrity. It also identifies and prioritizes Department-wide agricultural research, education, and extension needs.

Office of Communications (OC)

OC is USDA's central source of public information. The office provides centralized information services using the latest, most effective and efficient technology and standards for communication. It also provides the leadership, coordination, expertise, and counsel needed to develop the strategies, products, and services that are used to describe USDA initiatives, programs, and functions to the public.

Office of Congressional Relations (OCR)

OCR serves as the USDA's liaison with Congress. OCR works closely with members and staffs of various House and Senate Committees to communicate the USDA's legislative agenda and budget proposals.

Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs (EIA) builds trusted relationships with state, county and local elected and appointed officials, and external organizations (trade associations, philanthropic organizations, and faith-based organizations) throughout the nation to advance USDA and the Secretary’s priorities and to serve as the hub for elected and appointed officials and external organizations to communicate with the Secretary and USDA officials and access programs and services.

Office of the Executive Secretariat (OES)

OES ensures that all Department officials are included in the correspondence drafting and policy-making process through a managed clearance and control system. Keeping policy officials informed of executive documents enhances the Secretary's ability to review sound and thought out policy recommendations before making final decisions.

Office of the General Counsel (OGC)

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is an independent legal agency that provides legal advice and services to the Secretary of Agriculture and to all other officials and agencies of the Department with respect to all USDA programs and activities.

Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA)

The Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) of the United States Department of Agriculture is comprised of three offices: the National Appeals Division (NAD), the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ), and the Office of the Judicial Officer (OJO).

OHA's mission is to plan, coordinate, and provide administrative support for NAD, OALJ, and OJO. OHA promotes fairness, transparency, and consistency in NAD, OALJ, and OJO proceedings through the planning, coordination, and administration of office-wide activities and initiatives.

National Appeals Division (NAD)

NAD is an office that reports directly to the Secretary of Agriculture and is, by law, independent from the direction and control of any other agency within USDA. Our sole mission is to conduct impartial administrative appeals hearings of adverse program decisions by the following USDA agencies: the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Rural Housing Agency, the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service. 

Office of Inspector General (OIG)

OIG investigates allegations of crime against the Department's program, and promotes the economy and efficiency of its operations.

Office of Tribal Relations (OTR)

The Office of Tribal Relations is located in the Office of the Secretary, and is responsible for government-to-government relations between USDA and tribal governments.

The White House Liaison Office

The White House Liaison Office’s (WHLO) mission is to provide staff support to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and senior-level Department officials on policy and operational matters specifically managing the Schedule C and non-career executive personnel and USDA Federal Advisory Committees, Commissions, and Boards of the Department.