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U.S. Department of Agriculture
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certified organic USDA poster from the Dust Bowl era USDA MyPlate dietary guidelines map of the National Mall, Washington, D.C. USDA MyPyramid dietary guidelines USDA Food Guide Pyramid
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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
See all related content

News •

The Latest: Schumer backs GOP funding bill, unwilling to risk government shutdown • Mar. 13, 2025, 7:32 PM ET (AP)
Vaccinating poultry could help cut soaring egg prices but US remains hesitant • Mar. 13, 2025, 11:18 AM ET (AP)
USDA ends program that helped schools serve food from local farmers • Mar. 12, 2025, 4:26 PM ET (AP)
Egg prices continue to hit records as Easter and Passover approach, but some relief may be coming • Mar. 12, 2025, 1:47 PM ET (AP)
Why should America worry about Trump? Try the price of eggs, say some Democrats • Mar. 7, 2025, 11:19 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.