The United States Department Of Agricultureusdais A Federal Executive Department That Oversees Food Productionagricultural Traderural Developmentand Nutrition Assistance Programs Across The U Sestablished In 1862The Usda Operates Under The Leadership Of The Secretary Of Agriculture And Employs Around 100 000 Staff In Approximately 4 500 Locationsits Mission Includes Fostering Agricultural Innovationensuring Food Safetyconserving Natural Resourcesand Combating Hunger The Usda Administers A Variety Of Programs Through Its 29 Agencieswhich Are Organized Into Eight Mission Areaskey Services Include Nutrition Assistance Programs Like Snap And School Meal Initiativesagricultural Support Through Loans And Crop Insuranceand Natural Resource Management Via The Forest Servicethe Department Also Focuses On Food Safety Through The Food Safety And Inspection Service And Promotes Rural Development With Housing And Infrastructure Loansadditionallyit Conducts Agricultural Research And Education In Partnership With Universities To Enhance Knowledge In The Field
