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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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Also known as: USDA
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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
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Nebraska to ban soda and energy drinks from SNAP under first USDA waiver • May 19, 2025, 7:03 PM ET (AP)
Facing lawsuit, USDA says it will restore climate change-related webpages • May 13, 2025, 3:12 PM ET (AP)
US egg prices fall for the first time in months but remain near record highs • May 13, 2025, 2:04 PM ET (AP)
Less farmland is going for organic crops as costs and other issues take root • May 7, 2025, 9:01 AM 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.