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U.S. Department of Agriculture
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U.S. Department of Agriculture

United States government
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Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Date:
1862 - present
Areas Of Involvement:
origins of agriculture
national forest
Related People:
Ezra Taft Benson
See all related content

News •

Bird flu found in a Georgia commercial flock for the 1st time amid the nationwide outbreak • Jan. 19, 2025, 4:04 PM ET (AP)
USDA documented insects and slime at Boar's Head plants, records show • Jan. 14, 2025, 7:24 PM ET (AP)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), executive division of the U.S. federal government in charge of programs and policies relating to the farming industry and the use of national forests and grasslands. Formed in 1862, the USDA works to stabilize or improve domestic farm income, develop foreign markets, curb poverty and hunger, protect soil and water resources, make credit available for rural development, and ensure the quality of food supplies.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Jeff Wallenfeldt.