WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal agriculture officials are restructuring a major research division and relocating positions outside Washington, D.C., in an effort to bring scientific work closer to farmers and streamline operations.
What This Means for You
- USDA research and data services may become more locally focused
- Some federal jobs will move out of the Washington, D.C. area
- Changes aim to improve efficiency and support for farmers and ranchers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of its Research, Education, and Economics mission area, which oversees research agencies that provide data, funding, and scientific support to the agricultural sector.
Officials said the changes are intended to reduce complexity, improve accountability, and better align research efforts with the needs of farmers and producers.
What Is Changing
The restructuring will shift certain positions from the National Capital Region — the Washington, D.C. area — to locations across the country.
The Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture will move some positions to Kansas City, consolidating staff that had previously been dispersed.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service will relocate some positions to St. Louis and other offices while maintaining field staff responsible for collecting agricultural data.
Major Facility Changes
The Agricultural Research Service will begin decommissioning the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, a large federal research campus in Maryland with more than 400 buildings.
Officials said many of the facilities are outdated or underused and require significant maintenance.
Research programs currently based at Beltsville will be relocated to other sites nationwide that are better aligned with regional agricultural needs.
Why the Shift Is Happening
USDA leaders said the reorganization is designed to improve how research is delivered and used.
“This reorganization ensures our research, data, and innovation efforts are focused where they matter most,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said.
Officials said placing researchers closer to land-grant universities — public universities with a focus on agriculture and applied science — could strengthen collaboration and improve workforce development.
Operational Changes
The restructuring also includes expanding the role of the department’s Business Center, which handles administrative functions, to improve efficiency across agencies.
The Office of the Chief Scientist will continue overseeing scientific standards and priorities.
Officials said the effort is guided by several goals, including reducing organizational complexity, improving coordination, and using new technologies to support research.
Next Steps
USDA said it will begin implementing the changes by relocating positions and transitioning research programs to new locations.
Officials said the goal is to maintain continuity in research while improving service delivery to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses nationwide.
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