USDA Law and Legal Definition
USDA is the abbreviation for the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA is a federal executive department of the U.S. It is responsible to develop and execute federal government policies relating to farming, agriculture, and food. The USDA is informally known as the agriculture department.
The USDA’s mission is to “provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.”
Some agencies under the USDA are:
Agricultural Marketing Service: Facilitates the strategic marketing of agricultural products in domestic and international markets.
Agricultural Research Service: In-house research agency of the USDA.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Provides leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants.
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion: Works to improve the health and well-being of Americans by developing and promoting dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.
Economic Research Service: Principal social science research agency of the USDA.
Farm Service Agency: Implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs through a national network of offices.
Food and Nutrition Service: Increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthy diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports
Natural Resources Conservation Service: Provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve America’s natural resources and environment.
Risk Management Agency: Helps to ensure that farmers have the financial tools necessary to manage their agricultural risks. RMA provides coverage through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, which promotes national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture.
Rural Development: Helps rural areas to develop and grow by offering federal assistance that improves quality of life.
