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

United States government
External Websites
Also known as: USDA
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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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 •

USDA withdraws a plan to limit salmonella levels in raw poultry • Apr. 24, 2025, 4:39 PM ET (AP)
This Midwestern city has long been a federal hub. The pain from DOGE’s cuts is everywhere • Apr. 20, 2025, 1:20 PM ET (AP)
Iowa relies on exports and its senior senator opposes tariffs. Trump is pressuring both • Apr. 15, 2025, 5:07 PM ET (AP)
Arkansas and Indiana ask USDA to let them ban soda and candy from SNAP • Apr. 15, 2025, 2:11 PM ET (AP)
Trump administration ordered to unfreeze funding in dispute with Maine over transgender students • Apr. 12, 2025, 1:28 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.
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