Since FAS was
established in 1953, many events have changed the work of the agency, but
there has been no comprehensive reorganization. Congress has authorized
new programs such as the Market Access Program and the McGovern Dole Food
for Education Program, to name just two. As the landmark Uruguay Round
Agreement for Agriculture phased out traditional tariffs and quotas,
countries turned increasingly to new technical barriers to trade in
agriculture. Market maintenance activities now require scientific
expertise on a regular basis and FAS must work closely with many
agencies—within and outside USDA—on a wide variety of complex issues.
Even 10 years ago, some of the toughest issues we are dealing with
today—BSE, AI, biotechnology—were not even on the radar screen.
To address these
changes and challenges and to comply with the goals of President Bush’s
management agenda, in 2004, FAS began a top-to-bottom review of what the
agency does, how effective we are, and what we could do better. Some of the
concerns on the table included: effectively supporting the agriculture
sector during trade agreement negotiations; developing strategies in
response to the emergence of “giants” like China and Brazil; and managing
the trade impact of international food safety scares like AI and BSE. The
review process included input from employees, private sector trade groups,
and program participants. This effort pointed out the need for a new
strategic focus for FAS and a realignment of functions and personnel to
increase the effectiveness of the agency.
New FAS Program Areas
(11/13/06)
FAS Reorganization
Means Few Changes
(USDA Radio News; 11/13/06 -
real,
mp3,
wave)
New FAS
Reorganization Begins Monday
(USDA Radio News; 11/08/06 -
real,
mp3,
wave)
FAS Reorganization Driven
By Stakeholders
(USDA Radio News; 11/08/06 -
real,
mp3,
wave)
Reorganizing FAS To
Better Serve The Times (USDA Radio News; 09/19/06 -
real,
mp3,
wave)
FAS Reorganization Near Completion
(USDA Radio News; 08/30/06 -
real,
mp3,
wave)
FAS Reorganization Implementation Begins
