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.

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

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