United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an executive department of the United States federal government that aims to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock food production, promotes agricultural trade and production, works to assure food safety, protects natural resources, fosters rural communities and works to end hunger in the United States and internationally. It is headed by the secretary of agriculture, who reports directly to the president of the United States and is a member of the president's Cabinet. The current secretary is Tom Vilsack, who has served since February 24, 2021.
united-states-department-of-agriculture

Some of the key events about United States Department of Agriculture

  • 1862
    Established the USDA to advance agricultural research and education
  • 1862
    Established the Bureau of Chemistry, which later became the controversial Food and Drug Administration
  • 1906
    Implemented the Pure Food and Drug Act to ensure food safety
  • 1914
    Created the Cooperative Extension System to disseminate agricultural knowledge
  • 1920
    Implemented policies that contributed to the decline of Black-owned farms
  • 1933
    Initiated the Rural Electrification Administration to bring electricity to rural areas
  • 1933
    Initiated agricultural subsidies that critics argue distort markets and favor large agribusinesses
  • 1935
    Launched the Soil Conservation Service to combat soil erosion
  • 1939
    Introduced the food stamp program to assist low-income families
  • 1946
    Established the National School Lunch Program to provide nutritious meals to students
  • 1954
    Introduced school lunch program standards that were criticized for promoting unhealthy eating habits
  • 1961
    Expanded the food stamp program nationwide to combat hunger
  • 1969
    Implemented the Food and Nutrition Service to administer federal nutrition assistance programs
  • 1970
    Approved the use of DDT, a pesticide later banned due to environmental concerns
  • 1976
    Supported tobacco farming despite growing evidence of health risks
  • 1992
    Implemented food pyramid guidelines that were later criticized for promoting excessive carbohydrate consumption
  • 1994
    Reorganized the USDA to improve efficiency and modernize operations
  • 2005
    Faced criticism for inadequate response to Hurricane Katrina's impact on agricultural communities
  • 2008
    Mishandled the investigation of the largest beef recall in U.S. history
  • 2019
    Relocated two research agencies, resulting in significant loss of experienced staff and disrupted research

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

United States Department of Agriculture Latest news

East Coast Ports Paralyzed: ILA Strike Threatens $5 Billion Daily Economic Hit

East Coast Ports Paralyzed: ILA Strike Threatens $5 Billion Daily Economic Hit

ILA dockworkers strike at major US ports, disrupting shipping. Biden urges fair contract, monitors price gouging. Businesses worry as strike could cost $5 billion daily. Union demands higher wages, automation protection.

Economics, Politics • October 2 2024 , 09:54 AM  •  29 views
Deadly Listeria Outbreak Traced to Boar's Head Plant, Exposing Food Safety Flaws

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Traced to Boar's Head Plant, Exposing Food Safety Flaws

A listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head products has resulted in 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations. Investigations reveal a history of sanitation issues at the company's Virginia plant, raising questions about food safety oversight.

Society, Business, Politics • September 30 2024 , 12:47 PM  •  438 views
U.S. Farm Groups Seek White House Aid Amid Looming Supply Chain Crisis

U.S. Farm Groups Seek White House Aid Amid Looming Supply Chain Crisis

Agricultural organizations urge federal intervention as potential port strikes, rail issues, and low river levels threaten supply chains. Dredging and rail reopening requests highlight industry concerns.

Economics, Politics • September 27 2024 , 01:30 PM  •  646 views
Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Deli Meat Claims 10th Victim

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Deli Meat Claims 10th Victim

A nationwide listeria outbreak tied to Boar's Head deli meat has claimed its 10th victim. The CDC reports 59 hospitalizations across 19 states in the largest outbreak since 2011.

Business, Science • September 27 2024 , 09:00 AM  •  13 views
Clinton Initiative Tackles Global Challenges, Emphasizes Democracy

Clinton Initiative Tackles Global Challenges, Emphasizes Democracy

Former President Bill Clinton's annual meeting highlights collective action to address worldwide issues. 175 new commitments unveiled, focusing on food security, women's health, and refugee support.

Society, Politics • September 25 2024 , 03:55 AM  •  333 views
U.S. Shifts Mexican Avocado Inspections, Sparking California Growers' Concerns

U.S. Shifts Mexican Avocado Inspections, Sparking California Growers' Concerns

U. S. decision to transfer avocado pest inspections to Mexican authorities raises alarm among California growers. Concerns stem from past threats to inspectors and potential risks to U.S. crops.

Business, Politics • September 25 2024 , 02:10 AM  •  5298 views
Harris to Unveil New Economic Policies Ahead of November Election

Harris to Unveil New Economic Policies Ahead of November Election

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to announce new economic policies aimed at wealth building and business incentives. The move comes less than two months before the presidential election, as Harris gains ground on economic issues.

Economics, Politics • September 22 2024 , 06:30 PM  •  740 views
Federal Employees Honored at Sammies Gala, Showcasing Civil Service Excellence

Federal Employees Honored at Sammies Gala, Showcasing Civil Service Excellence

The Service to America Medals ceremony celebrated outstanding federal employees, highlighting their crucial contributions across various sectors. The event underscored the importance of a merit-based civil service system.

Society, Politics, Science • September 20 2024 , 03:39 PM  •  582 views
Mystic Aquarium Fined $12,200 in Beluga Whale Care Investigation

Mystic Aquarium Fined $12,200 in Beluga Whale Care Investigation

Mystic Aquarium settles federal probe over alleged animal care violations following the deaths of three beluga whales. The facility disputes the accusations but agrees to pay fine to avoid litigation.

Society, Science • September 18 2024 , 09:29 PM  •  628 views
Boar's Head Shuts Virginia Plant Amid Deadly Listeria Outbreak

Boar's Head Shuts Virginia Plant Amid Deadly Listeria Outbreak

Boar's Head Provisions closes its Virginia facility following a lethal listeria outbreak. The closure, linked to liverwurst production, affects 500 workers and follows numerous health violations.

Society, Business • September 13 2024 , 04:53 PM  •  223 views
Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Plant with Known Violations

Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked to Boar's Head Plant with Known Violations

USDA reports reveal severe food safety issues at a Boar's Head facility in Virginia, leading to a fatal listeria outbreak. Experts criticize the delayed response to repeated violations.

Society, Science • September 10 2024 , 11:59 PM  •  392 views
U.S. Farm Groups Urge Swift Passage of New Farm Bill Amid Economic Challenges

U.S. Farm Groups Urge Swift Passage of New Farm Bill Amid Economic Challenges

Over 300 U. S. agricultural organizations call for Congress to pass a new farm bill before year's end, citing projected income decline. The bill's delay impacts various farm programs and nutrition aid.

Economics, Politics • September 9 2024 , 04:05 PM  •  359 views
Missouri Reports First Non-Occupational Human Bird Flu Case

Missouri Reports First Non-Occupational Human Bird Flu Case

Missouri reports the first human H5N1 bird flu case unrelated to farm work. The patient recovered after hospitalization. CDC maintains low public risk assessment as investigations continue.

Society, Science • September 7 2024 , 07:58 AM  •  120 views
U.S. Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Chinese Agricultural Drones on American Farms

U.S. Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Chinese Agricultural Drones on American Farms

Republican representatives urge Biden administration to address national security risks posed by Chinese-made agricultural drones. They request detailed information from government agencies by September 30.

Business, Politics • September 6 2024 , 02:20 PM  •  719 views
USDA Probes Potential Bird Flu Cases in California Dairy Cattle

USDA Probes Potential Bird Flu Cases in California Dairy Cattle

USDA investigates possible H5N1 cases in California's dairy sector. If confirmed, it would mark the 14th state affected since March, raising concerns about virus adaptation and spread.

Society, Science • August 31 2024 , 04:06 AM  •  383 views
Climate Change and Agriculture Intensify Midwest's 'Corn Sweat' Phenomenon

Climate Change and Agriculture Intensify Midwest's 'Corn Sweat' Phenomenon

The Midwest's 'corn sweat' phenomenon, a humidity spike caused by corn plants, is intensifying due to climate change and increased corn production. This trend affects regional weather patterns and raises environmental concerns.

Society, Science • August 28 2024 , 01:56 PM  •  762 views
Independent Grocers Face Pricing Challenges Amid Market Consolidation

Independent Grocers Face Pricing Challenges Amid Market Consolidation

RF Buche's struggle to keep prices competitive at his Pine Ridge Reservation supermarket highlights the broader challenges faced by independent grocers in rural America, amidst market consolidation and rising food costs.

Society, Business, Economics • August 25 2024 , 12:11 PM  •  5110 views
U.S. Court Upholds Dismissal of Chicken Label Lawsuit Against USDA

U.S. Court Upholds Dismissal of Chicken Label Lawsuit Against USDA

A U. S. appeals court has affirmed the dismissal of an animal rights group's lawsuit against the USDA over a Perdue Farms chicken label. The court ruled that the group lacked standing due to absence of future injury.

Society, Politics • August 9 2024 , 08:16 PM  •  6331 views
Boar's Head Faces Class Action Suit Amid Massive Listeria-Related Recall

Boar's Head Faces Class Action Suit Amid Massive Listeria-Related Recall

Boar's Head Provisions hit with class action lawsuit following expanded recall of over 7 million pounds of deli products due to listeria concerns. Outbreak has caused illnesses and deaths across multiple states.

Society, Business • August 2 2024 , 09:13 PM  •  4935 views