Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services
helps to keep America's
farmers and ranchers
in business as they
face the uncertainties
of weather and markets.
They deliver commodity,
credit, conservation,
disaster, and emergency
assistance programs
that help improve
the stability and
strength of the agricultural
economy.
Food, Nutrition
and Consumer Services
works to harness the
Nation's agricultural
abundance to end hunger
and improve health
in the United States.
Its agencies administer
federal domestic nutrition
assistance programs
and the Center for
Nutrition Policy and
Promotion, which links
scientific research
to the nutrition needs
of consumers through
science-based dietary
guidance, nutrition
policy coordination,
and nutrition education.
Food Safety ensures
that the Nation's
commercial supply
of meat, poultry,
and egg products is
safe, wholesome, and
properly labeled,
and packaged. This
mission area also
plays a key role in
the President's Council
on Food Safety and
has been instrumental
in coordinating a
national food safety
strategic plan among
various partner agencies
including the Department
of Health and Human
Services and the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Marketing and Regulatory
Programs facilitates
domestic and international
marketing of U.S.
agricultural products
and ensures the health
and care of animals
and plants. MRP agencies
are active participants
in setting national
and international
standards.
Natural Resources
and Environment ensures
the health of the
land through sustainable
management. Its agencies
work to prevent damage
to natural resources
and the environment,
restore the resource
base, and promote
good land management.
Research, Education
and Economics is dedicated
to the creation of
a safe, sustainable,
competitive U.S. food
and fiber system,
as well as strong
communities, families,
and youth through
integrated research,
analysis, and education.
Rural Development
is committed to helping
improve the economy
and quality of life
in all of rural America
by providing financial
programs to support
essential public facilities
and services as water
and sewer systems,
housing, health clinics,
emergency service
facilities and electric
and telephone service.
Rural Development
promotes economic
development by providing
loans to businesses
through banks and
community-managed
lending pools, while
also assisting communities
to participate in
community empowerment
programs.