[United States Government Manual]
[May 30, 1997]
[Pages 109-142]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone, 202-720-2791

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE                          Dan Glickman
Deputy Secretary                                  Richard Rominger
Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign              Dallas Smith, 
        Agricultural Services                             Acting
    Deputy Under Secretaries                      Dallas Smith
                                                  James Schroeder
    Administrator, Farm Service Agency            Randy Weber, 
                                                          Acting
    Administrator, Foreign Agricultural           Gus Schumacher
            Service
    Administrator, Risk Management                Ken Ackerman
            Agency
Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and          Mary Ann Keeffe, 
        Consumer Services                                 Acting
    Deputy Under Secretary                        Mary Ann Keeffe
    Administrator, Food and Consumer              Bill Ludwig
            Service
Under Secretary for Food Safety                   Thomas Billy, 
                                                          Acting
    Administrator, Food Safety and                Thomas Billy
            Inspection Service
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and         James Lyons
        Environment
    Deputy Under Secretary for Forestry           Brian E. Burke
    Deputy Under Secretary for                    Tom Hebert
            Conservation
    Chief, Forest Service                         Mike Dombeck
    Chief, Natural Resources                      Paul W. Johnson
            Conservation Service
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and      Catherine Woteki, 
        Economics                                         Acting
    Deputy Under Secretary                        Floyd Horn
    Administrator, Agricultural Research          Edward B. 
            Service                                       Knipling, 
                                                          Acting
    Administrator, Cooperative State              Bobby H. Robinson
            Research, Education, and 
            Extension Service
    Administrator, Economic Research              Susan E. Offutt
            Service
    Administrator, National Agricultural          Donald Bay
            Statistics Service
Under Secretary for Rural Development             Jill Long-Thompson
    Deputy Under Secretaries                      Arthur C. Campbell
                                                  Inga Smulkstys
    Administrator, Rural Business-                Dayton Watkins
            Cooperative Service
    Administrator, Rural Housing Service          Jan Shadburn, 
                                                          Acting
    Administrator, Rural Utilities                Wally Beyer
          Service

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Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations   Dave Carlin
Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory  Michael Dunn
        Programs
    Deputy Assistant Secretary                    Shirley Watkins
    Administrator, Agricultural                   Lon Hatamiya
            Marketing Service
    Administrator, Animal and Plant               Terry Medley
            Health Inspection Service
    Administrator, Grain Inspection,              James R. Baker
            Packers, and Stockyards 
            Administration
Assistant Secretary for Administration            Pearlie S. Reed, 
                                                          Acting
    Deputy Assistant Secretary                    Christine Pytel, 
                                                          Acting
    Chairman, Board of Contract Appeals           Edward Houry
    Judicial Officer                              William G. Jenson
    Chief Judge, Administrative Law               Victor Palmer
            Judges
    Director, Office of Operations                Priscilla Carey, 
                                                          Acting
    Director, Civil Rights                        Lloyd E. Wright, 
                                                          Acting
    Director, Human Resources Management          Roger L. Bensey
    Director, Procurement and Property            W.R. Ashworth
            Management
Chief Information Officer                         Anne F. Thomson Reed
    Deputy Chief Information Officer              Ira L. Hobbs
Chief Financial Officer                           Irwin T. David, Acting
    Deputy Chief Financial Officer                Irwin T. David
General Counsel                                   James Gilliland
    Deputy General Counsel                        Bonnie Luken
Inspector General                                 Roger C. Viadero
    Deputy Inspector General                      Joyce N. Fleischman
Director, Office of Communications                Thomas S. Amontree
Chief Economist                                   Keith Collins
    Director, Office of Risk Assessment           Alwynelle S. Ahl
            and Cost-Benefit Analysis
    Chairman, World Agricultural Outlook          Gerald Bauge
            Board
Director, Office of Budget and Program Analysis   Stephen B. Dewhurst
Director, National Appeals Division               Norman Cooper
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged       Sharron Harris
        Business Utilization
Director, Office of the Executive Secretariat     Lynne Finnerty

[For the Department of Agriculture statement of organization, see the 
        Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 2]

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Department of Agriculture works to improve and maintain farm income 
and to develop and expand markets abroad for agricultural products. The 
Department helps to curb and to cure poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. 
It works to enhance the environment and to maintain production capacity 
by helping landowners protect the soil, water, forests, and other 
natural resources. Rural development, credit, and conservation programs 
are key resources for carrying out national growth policies. Department 
research findings directly or indirectly benefit all Americans. The 
Department, through inspection and grading services, safeguards and 
ensures standards of quality in the daily food supply.


The Department of Agriculture (USDA) was created by act of May 15, 1862 
(7 U.S.C. 2201), and was administered by a Commissioner of Agriculture 
until 1889

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[[Page 112]]

(5 U.S.C. 511, 514, 516). By act of February 9, 1889 (7 U.S.C. 2202, 
2208, 2212), the powers and duties of the Department were enlarged. The 
Department was made the eighth executive department in the Federal 
Government, and the Commissioner became the Secretary of Agriculture. 
The Department was reorganized under the Federal Crop Insurance Reform 
and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901 
note).
    In carrying out its work in the program mission areas, USDA relies 
on the support of departmental administration staff, as well as the 
Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Communications, Office 
of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the 
Inspector General, and the Office of the General Counsel.

Rural Development

The rural development mission of USDA is to assist rural Americans in 
using their abilities to improve their quality of life. To accomplish 
this, USDA works to foster new cooperative relationships among 
Government, industry, and communities. The mission is carried out by the 
Rural Housing Service, which includes rural housing and rural community 
facility loan and grant programs; the Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, which includes business and cooperative development programs; 
and the Rural Utilities Service, which includes telephone, electric, 
water, and sewer programs. Approximately 1,580 rural development field 
offices provide frontline delivery of all rural development loan and 
grant programs at the local level.
    The Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community Initiative Office 
provides technical assistance, training, monitoring, and support to USDA 
field staff and communities participating in the initiative. Focusing on 
communities of greatest need, with severe problems of long-term endemic 
poverty, the program works with other USDA agencies, Federal agencies, 
State and local governments, and private organizations and universities 
in a combined effort to develop and promote comprehensive community and 
economic development in rural America.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

The mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to 
enhance the quality of life for all rural Americans by providing 
leadership in building competitive businesses and cooperatives that can 
prosper in the global marketplace. To meet business credit needs in 
under-served areas, RBS business programs are usually leveraged with 
commercial, cooperative, or other private sector lenders. RBS business 
programs include:

Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans  This program helps create jobs 
and stimulates rural economies by providing financial backing for rural 
businesses. The program guarantees up to 80 percent of a loan made by a 
commercial lender. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, 
machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate, and certain types of 
debt refinancing. Loan guarantees can be extended to loans made by 
commercial or other authorized lenders in rural areas (all areas other 
than cities of more than 50,000 people and their immediately adjacent 
urban or urbanizing areas).
    Assistance under the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program 
is available to virtually any legally organized entity, including a 
cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other profit or 
nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group, 
municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a State.

[[Page 113]]

Applicants need not have been denied credit elsewhere to apply for this 
program. The maximum aggregate guaranteed loan(s) amount that can be 
offered to any one borrower under this program is $25 million.

Business and Industry Direct Loans  This program provides loans to 
public entities and private parties who cannot obtain credit from other 
sources. Loans to private parties can be made for improving, developing, 
or financing business and industry, creating jobs, and improving the 
economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including 
pollution abatement. Assistance is available in rural areas (all areas 
other than cities of more than 50,000 people and their immediately 
adjacent urban or urbanizing areas).
    Eligible applicants include any legally organized entity, including 
a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other profit or 
nonprofit entity, Indian tribe or federally recognized tribal group, 
municipality, county, any other political subdivision of a State, or 
individuals. Loans are available to those who cannot obtain credit 
elsewhere and for public bodies. The maximum aggregate loan amount that 
can be offered to any one borrower is $10 million.

Intermediary Relending Program Loans  These loans finance business 
facilities and community development projects in rural areas, including 
cities with populations of less than 25,000. The Service lends these 
funds to intermediaries, which in turn provide loans to recipients who 
are developing business facilities or community development projects. 
Eligible intermediaries include public bodies, nonprofit corporations, 
Indian tribes, and cooperatives.

Rural Venture Capital Demonstration Program  To demonstrate the 
usefulness of guarantees to attract increased investment in private 
business enterprises in rural areas, this program designates up to 10 
community development venture capital organizations to establish a rural 
business private investment pool to make equity investments in rural 
private business enterprises. The program is available in rural areas 
(all areas other than cities of more than 50,000 people and their 
immediately adjacent urban or urbanizing areas).

Rural Business Enterprise Grants  These grants help public bodies, 
nonprofit corporations, and federally recognized Indian tribal groups 
finance and facilitate development of small and emerging private 
business enterprises located in rural areas (all areas other than cities 
of more than 50,000 people and their immediately adjacent urbanized or 
urbanizing areas). Grant funds can pay for the acquisition and 
development of land and the construction of buildings, plants, 
equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility and service 
extensions, refinancing, and fees for professional services, as well as 
technical assistance and related training, startup costs and working 
capital, financial assistance to a third party, production of television 
programs targeted to rural residents, and rural distance learning 
networks.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants  This program promotes sustainable 
economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. Funds 
are provided for technical assistance, training, and planning activities 
that improve economic conditions. Applicants must be located in rural 
areas (all areas other than cities of more than 50,000 people and their 
immediately adjacent urban or urbanizing areas). Nonprofit corporations 
and public bodies are eligible for a maximum of $1.5 million per grant.

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants  These loans and grants 
finance economic development and job creation projects based on sound 
economic plans in rural areas having a population of less than 2,500 
residents. Loans and grants are available to any Rural Utilities Service 
electric or telecommunications borrower to assist in developing rural 
areas from an economic standpoint, to create new job opportunities, and 
to help retain existing employment. Loans at zero interest are made 
primarily to

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finance business startup ventures and business expansion projects. 
Grants are made to telephone and electric utilities to establish 
revolving loan programs operated at the local level. The revolving loan 
program provides capital to nonprofit entities and municipal 
organizations to finance community facilities which promote job creation 
in rural areas; for facilities which extend or improve medical care to 
rural residents; and for facilities which promote education and training 
to enhance marketable job skills for rural residents.

Cooperative Services  This program helps farmers and rural communities 
become self-reliant through the use of cooperative organizations. 
Studies are conducted to support cooperatives that market farm products, 
purchase production supplies, and perform related business services. 
These studies concentrate on the financial, organizational, legal, 
social, and economic aspects of cooperative activity. Technical 
assistance and research is provided to improve cooperative performance 
in organizing new cooperatives, merging existing cooperatives, changing 
business structures, and developing strategies for growth. Applied 
research is conducted to give farmers and rural communities expert 
assistance pertaining to their cooperatives. The program also collects 
and publishes statistics regarding the role and scope of cooperative 
activity in U.S. agriculture. The Service's bimonthly magazine, Rural 
Cooperatives, reports current developments and research for cooperative 
management leadership.

Rural Cooperative Development Grants  These grants finance the 
establishment and operation of centers for cooperative development. The 
primary purpose of this program is to enhance the economic condition of 
rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving 
operations of existing cooperatives. Eligible applicants are nonprofit 
organizations, including institutions of higher education.

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas  This program provides 
information to farmers and other rural users on a variety of sustainable 
agricultural practices that include both cropping and livestock 
operations. It offers reliable, practical information on production 
techniques and practices that reduce costs and that are environmentally 
friendly. Farmers can request such information by telephone at 800-346-
9140 (toll-free).

National Sheep Industry Improvement Center  The Center promotes 
strategic development activities to strengthen and enhance the 
production and marketing of sheep and goat products in the United 
States. It works to improve infrastructure development, business 
development, and market and environmental research and designs unique 
responses to the needs of the industries for their long-term sustainable 
development. The Center's board of directors oversees its activities and 
operates a revolving fund for loans and grants.

For further information, contact Rural Development, Office of 
Communication, Public Affairs, Room 5037-S, Department of Agriculture, 
Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-
0320. Phone, 202-720-6903.

Rural Housing Service

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides loans to rural residents and 
communities unable to obtain credit from commercial sources at 
reasonable rates and terms. These borrowers must have a reasonable 
chance for success. The Service guarantees loans made by commercial 
lenders for modest rural housing. It also makes direct loans to low-
income rural residents. Rural residents and communities may apply for 
these loans at approximately 1,580 local Rural Development offices.
    The Service operates under Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 
U.S.C. 1471) and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 
U.S.C. 1921). It seeks to do business as the lender of first opportunity 
rather than the lender of last resort.
    The Service provides financial and management assistance through the 
following types of loans:

Guaranteed Single-Family Housing (SFH) Loan Programs  The Service

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guarantees loans made by commercial lenders to moderate-income rural 
residents. Eligible applicants must have sufficient income and 
acceptable credit but lack the downpayment to secure a loan without 
assistance. The Service provides up to 100 percent financing for 
eligible borrowers and guarantees participating lenders against most 
losses.

Direct Single-Family Housing Loan Program  Section 502 loans are made to 
very low and low income families for housing in rural areas. Loans can 
be made to build, purchase, repair, and refinance homes. The maximum 
term is 38 years. Loans may be made for 100 percent of the appraised 
value. The basic interest rate is determined periodically, based on the 
cost of money. Borrowers may qualify for annual subsidy on the loan, 
which can reduce the interest rate to as low as 1 percent. Cosigners on 
promissory notes may be permitted for applicants who may lack repayment 
ability.
    Builders may obtain ``conditional commitments'' as assurances to a 
builder or seller that if their houses meet RHS lending requirements, 
RHS may make loans to qualified applicants.

Home Improvement and Repair Loans and Grants  An owner-occupant may 
obtain a section 504 loan of up to $15,000, or in the case of senior 
citizens, a grant of up to $7,500, to remove health and safety hazards 
from a home. These loans, available to very low income families, are 
made at 1 percent interest.

Self-Help Housing Loans  Self-help direct SFH loans assist groups of six 
to eight very low and low income families to build their own home by 
providing materials and the skilled labor which they cannot furnish 
themselves. The families must agree to work together on each other's 
homes until they are complete. Rates and terms are the same as the 
direct SFH program.

Rural Housing Site Loans  Loans are also available to private or public 
nonprofit organizations to purchase sites for the development of housing 
for very low and low income families. Loans are repayable in 2 years.
Direct and Guaranteed Multi-Family Housing Loans  Loans are made to 
private, nonprofit corporations, consumer cooperatives, State or local 
public agencies, and individuals or organizations operating on a profit 
or limited profit basis to provide rental or cooperative housing in 
rural areas for persons of very low, low, and moderate income. For 
direct loans, no downpayment is required from nonprofit organizations. A 
3 or 5 percent downpayment is required from other applicants. The 
maximum term is 50 years, and the interest rate may be reduced to 1 
percent to make rents affordable to very low and low income families. 
Rental assistance may be available to defray rent paid by very low 
income families. Guaranteed loans bear an interest rate negotiated by 
the lender and borrower. Interest credit is available on a small number 
of loans to assist with affordability to very low income families.

Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants  Farm labor housing loans and grants 
enable farmers, public or private nonprofit organizations, or units of 
local government to build, buy, or rehabilitate farm labor housing. The 
interest rate is 1 percent and is repaid over 33 years. Grants may be 
made in connection with a loan to a public/private nonprofit 
organization or unit of government to ensure affordability of the units 
to farm workers.

Housing Preservation Grants  These grants are made to a public body or 
public/private nonprofit organization to provide assistance to 
homeowners and landlords to repair and rehabilitate housing for very low 
and low income families in rural areas. Financial assistance provided by 
grantees may include loans, grants, interest reduction on commercial 
credit, or similar assistance. Up to 20 percent of the grant may be used 
for program administration.

Housing the Homeless  The Service offers SFH real-estate-owned property 
to nonprofit organizations or public bodies for transitional housing for 
the homeless. Qualifying organizations may lease nonprogram property if 
they can show a documented need in the community for

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the type of housing use proposed and the financial ability to meet 
proposed housing costs.

Community Program Loans  Direct and guaranteed loans and grants are 
authorized to public and quasi-public bodies, nonprofit associations, 
and certain Indian tribes for essential community facilities such as 
health care, public safety, and public services. Necessary related 
equipment may also be purchased. The interest rate is set quarterly for 
direct loans and is based on yields of municipal bonds. Guaranteed loans 
bear an interest rate negotiated by the lender and the borrower. The 
Service guarantees a lender against losses up to 90 percent of principal 
and interest. Community facility assistance may be provided to towns 
populated up to 20,000. Nondiscrimination in employment and occupancy is 
required.

For further information, contact Rural Development, Office of 
Communication, Public Affairs, Room 5037-S, Department of Agriculture, 
Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-
0320. Phone, 202-720-6903.

Rural Utilities Service

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a credit agency that assists rural 
electric and telephone utilities in obtaining financing and administers 
a nationwide water and waste loan and grant program to improve the 
quality of life and promote economic development in rural America. A 
total of 890 rural electric and 900 rural telephone utilities in 47 
States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Republic of the 
Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States 
of Micronesia have received financial assistance. Approximately 7,200 
rural communities are currently served through financial assistance 
received from water and waste loans and grants.

Electric Program  The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 901-950b), authorizes RUS to provide loans for improving electric 
service to persons in rural areas, as defined by the Bureau of the 
Census. Preference is given to nonprofit and cooperative associations 
and to public bodies. With RUS assistance, rural electric utilities have 
obtained financing to construct electric generating plants and 
transmission and distribution lines to provide reliable electric 
service.

Telecommunications Program  In 1949, RUS (then the Rural Electrification 
Administration) was authorized to make loans to provide telephone 
service in rural areas. Congress directed that the rural telephone 
program be conducted to ``assure the availability of adequate telephone 
service to the widest practicable number of rural users of such 
service.'' About 75 percent of the telephone systems financed by the 
agency are commercial companies, and about 25 percent are subscriber-
owned cooperatives.

Loans  Loans are made in accordance with the Act and are subject to the 
provisions of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1991. By law, RUS direct 
loans are made or insured at a municipal rate, but not greater than 7 
percent. In cases of hardship, the Administrator may approve loans at an 
interest rate of 5 percent.
    The Service also obtains funds from the Department of the Treasury's 
Federal Financing Bank (FFB), which it lends to borrowers, primarily for 
large-scale electric and telecommunication facilities, at an interest 
rate equal to the cost of money paid by FFB, plus one-eighth of 1 
percent.

Supplemental Financing  A 1973 statement of congressional policy--not 
part of the law--said, in part, ``. . . that rural electric and 
telephone systems should be encouraged and assisted in developing their 
resources and ability to achieve the financial strength needed to enable 
them to satisfy their credit needs from their own financial 
organizations and other sources at reasonable rates and terms consistent 
with the loan applicant's ability to pay and achievement of the act's 
objectives.''
    When RUS approves electric loans, it requires most borrowers to 
obtain 30 percent of their loan needs from nonagency sources without an 
agency guarantee. These nonagency sources include the National Rural 
Utilities

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Cooperative Finance Corporation, which is owned by electric 
cooperatives, and the National Bank for Cooperatives.
    Telecommunications borrowers obtain supplemental financing from the 
Rural Telephone Bank (RTB), a U.S. agency established in 1971. Loans are 
made to telecommunications systems able to meet RTB requirements. Bank 
loans are made for the same purposes as loans made to RUS but bear 
interest at a rate consistent with the Bank's cost of money.
    The Rural Telephone Bank is managed by a 13-member board of 
directors. The Administrator of RUS serves as Governor of the Bank until 
conversion to private ownership, control, and operation. This will take 
place when 51 percent of the class A stock issued to the United States 
and outstanding at any time after September 30, 1995, has been fully 
redeemed and retired. The Bank board holds at least four regularly 
scheduled meetings a year. Activities of RTB are carried out by RUS 
employees and the Department's Office of the General Counsel.

Water and Waste Direct and Guaranteed Loan Program  Direct loans may be 
made to develop water and wastewater systems, including solid waste 
disposal and storm drainage, in rural areas, cities, and towns with a 
population of 10,000 or less.
    Funds are available to public entities, such as municipalities, 
counties, special-purpose districts, and Indian tribes. In addition, 
funds may be made available to nonprofit corporations. Priority is given 
to public entities in areas with less than 5,500 people to restore a 
deteriorating water supply or to improve, enlarge, or modify a water 
facility or an inadequate waste facility. Preference is given to 
requests which involve the merging of small facilities and those serving 
low-income communities. Applicants must be unable to obtain funds from 
other sources at reasonable rates and terms. The maximum term for all 
loans is 40 years. However, no repayment period will exceed State 
statutes or the useful life of the facility. Interest rates may be 
obtained from USDA Rural Development field offices.
    Guaranteed loans may be made for the same purpose as direct loans. 
They are made and serviced by lenders such as banks and savings and loan 
associations. Normally, guarantees will not exceed 80 percent on any 
loss of interest or principal on the loan.

Water and Waste Disposal Grants  Grants may be made to reduce water and 
waste disposal costs to a reasonable level for users of the system. 
Grants may be made, in some instances, up to 75 percent of eligible 
project costs. Requirements for applicants are the same as for loans.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants  Grants may be made up to 
100 percent of project costs to assist rural communities experiencing a 
significant decline in quantity or quality of drinking water. Grants can 
be made to rural cities or towns with populations not exceeding the 
State's nonmetropolitan median household income requirement.

Technical Assistance and Training Grants  Grants are available for 
nonprofit organizations to provide rural water and waste system 
officials with technical assistance and training on a wide range of 
issues relating to the delivery of water and waste service to rural 
residents. Legislation requires that at least 1 percent but no more than 
3 percent of the funds appropriated for water and waste disposal grants 
be set aside for these grants.

Solid Waste Management Grants  Grants are available for nonprofit 
organizations and public bodies to provide technical assistance and 
training to rural areas and towns with populations under 10,000 to 
reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning 
and management of solid waste facilities.

Rural Water Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program  Since 1980, the 
National Rural Water Association has provided, by contract, technical 
assistance to rural water systems. Circuit riders assist rural water 
districts with solving operational, financial, and management problems. 
The assistance may be requested by rural water systems

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or by RUS. When circuit riders are not working on specific requests, 
they call on rural water systems to offer assistance. The program 
complements RUS water and waste loan supervision responsibilities.

Distance Learning and Medical Link Grant Program  This program was 
established by the Rural Economic Development Act of 1990, which gave 
borrowers authority to defer RUS loan payments to make investments in 
rural development.

For further information, contact the Rural Utilities Service, Department 
of Agriculture, Room 4051-S, Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-1255.

Alternative Agricultural Research and Commercialization Center

As an independent entity within USDA, the Alternative Agricultural 
Research and Commercialization Center (AARC) provides and monitors 
financial assistance for the development and commercialization of new 
nonfood and nonfeed products made from agricultural/forestry 
commodities. By law, AARC is administered by a 9-member board comprising 
representatives for processing, financial, producer, and scientific 
interests.
    The Center's mission is to assist the private sector in closing the 
gap between research results and commercialization of industrial nonfood 
and nonfeed products made from farm and forestry materials. It also 
seeks to expand market opportunities through development of value-added 
industrial products and promotion of environmentally friendly products. 
Any private individual or firm may apply for assistance. While most of 
the Center's clients are small firms, nonprofit organizations and large 
businesses have also been successful applicants. Universities and 
similar institutions may participate as well.
    The Center can supply financial assistance at the 
precommercialization stage of a project--that point in a project when 
the costs are the greatest and the ability to obtain lending from 
traditional sources is the most difficult. Financial assistance is in 
the form of a repayable cooperative agreement and includes a repayment 
portion that recognizes the investment risk taken by AARC. Applicants 
are expected to provide at least a 1:1 match when seeking funding from 
AARC. The Center receives an annual appropriation from Congress and 
operates under a revolving fund. As Center-funded projects become 
profitable and reimburse AARC, the money will be returned to the fund to 
help finance future projects.

For further information, contact the Alternative Agricultural Research 
and Commercialization Center, Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue 
SW., Cotton Annex, Second Floor Mezzanine, Washington, DC 20250-0400. 
Phone, 202-690-1634.

Marketing and Regulatory Programs

This mission area includes marketing and regulatory programs other than 
those concerned with food safety.

Agricultural Marketing Service

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) was established by the 
Secretary of Agriculture on April 2, 1972, under the authority of 
Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 U.S.C. app.) and other authorities. 
The Service administers standardization, grading, inspection, 
certification, market news, marketing orders, and research, promotion, 
and regulatory programs.

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Market News  The Service provides current, unbiased information to 
producers, processors, distributors, and others to assist them in the 
orderly marketing and distribution of farm commodities. Information is 
collected on supplies, demand, prices, movement, location, quality, 
condition, and other market data on farm products in specific markets 
and marketing areas. The data is disseminated nationally via a modern 
satellite system and is shared with several countries. The Service also 
assists countries in developing their own marketing information systems.

Standardization, Grading, and Classing  Grade standards have been 
established for nearly 240 agricultural commodities to help buyers and 
sellers trade on agreed-upon quality levels. Standards are developed 
with the benefit of views from those in the industries directly affected 
and others interested. The Service also participates in developing 
international standards to facilitate trade.
    Grading and classing services are provided to certify the grade and 
quality of products. These grading services are provided to buyers and 
sellers of live cattle, swine, sheep, meat, poultry, eggs, rabbits, 
fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy products, and tobacco. 
Classing services are provided to buyers and sellers of cotton and 
cotton products. These services are mainly voluntary and are provided 
upon request and for a fee. The Service also is responsible for the 
certification of turpentine and other naval stores products, and the 
testing of seed.

Laboratory Testing  The Service provides scientific and laboratory 
support to its commodity programs relating to testing of microbiological 
and chemical factors in food products through grading, certification, 
acceptance, and regulatory programs; testing of peanuts for aflatoxin; 
testing of imported flue-cured and burley tobacco for pesticide 
residues; and testing seeds for germination and purity. The agency also 
carries out quality assurance and safety oversight activities with 
respect to the Service's commodity division laboratory and testing 
activities relating to milk market administrators, resident grading 
programs, and State and private laboratory programs.
    The Service also administers the Pesticide Data Program which, in 
cooperation with States, samples and analyzes fresh fruits and 
vegetables for pesticide residues. It shares residue test results with 
the Environmental Protection Agency and other public agencies.

Food Quality Assurance  Under a governmentwide quality assurance 
program, AMS is responsible for the development and revision of 
specifications used by Federal agencies in procuring food for military 
and civilian uses. The Service coordinates and approves certification 
programs designed to ensure that purchased products conform to the 
specification requirements.

Section 32 Programs  Under section 32 of the act of August 24, 1935, as 
amended (7 U.S.C. 612c), 30 percent of customs receipts collected during 
each calendar year are automatically appropriated for expanding outlets 
for various commodities. Portions of these funds are transferred to the 
Food and Nutrition Service of USDA and to the Department of Commerce. 
Remaining funds are used to purchase commodities for the National School 
Lunch Program and other feeding programs, for diversion to other 
outlets, and for administering agreement and order programs.

Regulatory Programs  The Service administers several regulatory programs 
designed collectively to protect producers, handlers, and consumers of 
agricultural commodities from financial loss or personal injury 
resulting from careless, deceptive, or fraudulent marketing practices. 
Such regulatory programs encourage fair trading practices in the 
marketing of fruits and vegetables, require truth in seed labeling and 
in advertising.
    Under the Egg Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the 
Service provides voluntary laboratory analyses of egg products, and 
controls the disposition of restricted shell eggs--eggs that are a 
potential health hazard.

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Marketing Agreements and Orders  These programs, under authority of the 
Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), 
help to establish and maintain orderly marketing conditions for certain 
commodities. Milk marketing orders establish minimum prices that 
handlers or distributors are required to pay producers. Programs for 
fruits, vegetables, and related specialty crops like nuts and spearmint 
oil help stabilize supplies and market prices. In some cases, they also 
authorize research and market development activities, including 
advertising supported by assessments that handlers pay. Through orderly 
marketing, adjusting the supply to demand, and avoiding unreasonable 
fluctuations during the marketing season, the income of producers is 
increased by normal market forces, and consumer interests are protected 
through quality and quantity control.
    Federal marketing orders originate with a request from a producer 
group to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Secretary can conduct 
hearings and referenda based on the producer group's proposal for a 
marketing order. Producer and handler assessments finance their 
operations.
    In carrying out the Government role, the Service ensures that 
persons interested in the development and operation of the programs have 
a fair hearing and that each marketing order works according to Federal 
law and established rules and guidelines.

Plant Variety Protection Program  Under authority of the Plant Variety 
Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 2321 et seq.), the Service administers a 
program that provides for the issuance of ``certificates of plant 
variety protection.'' These certificates afford developers of novel 
varieties of sexually reproduced plants exclusive rights to sell, 
reproduce, import, or export such varieties, or use them in the 
production of hybrids or different varieties for a period of 18 years.

Research and Promotion Programs  The Service monitors certain industry-
sponsored research, promotion, and information programs authorized by 
Federal laws. These programs provide farmers with a means to finance and 
operate various research, promotion, and information activities for 
cotton, potatoes, eggs, milk and dairy products, beef, pork, wool, 
mohair, honey, watermelon, limes, mushrooms, soybeans, fresh cut 
flowers, popcorn, kiwi fruit, and canola and rapeseed.

Transportation Programs  The Service is also responsible for the 
development of an efficient transportation system for rural America that 
begins at the farm gate and moves agricultural and other rural products 
through the Nation's highways, railroads, airports, and waterways, and 
into the domestic and international marketplace. To accomplish this, AMS 
conducts economic studies and analyses of these systems, and represents 
agricultural and rural transportation interests in policy and regulatory 
forums. To provide direct assistance to the transportation community, 
AMS supplies research and technical information to producers, producer 
groups, shippers, exporters, rural communities, carriers, governmental 
agencies, and universities.
    The Service carries out responsibilities of USDA's former Office of 
Transportation under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 
1281), the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621), the 
Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954 (7 U.S.C. 
1691), the Rural Development Act of 1972 (7 U.S.C. 1921 note), the 
International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs Act (7 U.S.C. 4401), and 
the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451-457).

Organic Standards  Under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (7 
U.S.C. 501-522), the Service assists a National Organic Standards Board 
in developing national organic standards.

Other Programs  Other marketing service activities include financial 
grants to States for marketing improvement projects. The agency also has 
responsibility for the conduct of studies of the facilities and methods 
used in the physical distribution of food and other farm products; for 
research designed to

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improve the handling of all agricultural products as they move from farm 
to consumers; and for increasing marketing efficiency by developing 
improved operating methods, facilities, and equipment for processing, 
handling, and distributing dairy, poultry, and meat products.
    The Agricultural Marketing Service manages the Pesticide 
Recordkeeping Program in coordination with the National Agricultural 
Statistics Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Service 
has developed educational programs and assists State agencies in 
inspecting applicator records.

Field Organization  Programs and activities in the field are carried out 
through a variety of different types of organizations reporting to their 
respective Washington components.

For further information, contact the Information Staff, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, 
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-8999.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[For the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service statement of 
organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Part 371]

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) was reestablished 
by the Secretary of Agriculture on March 14, 1977, pursuant to authority 
contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 
U.S.C. app.).
    The Service was established to conduct regulatory and control 
programs to protect and improve animal and plant health for the benefit 
of man and the environment. In cooperation with State governments, the 
agency administers Federal laws and regulations pertaining to animal and 
plant health and quarantine, humane treatment of animals, and the 
control and eradication of pests and diseases. Regulations to prevent 
the introduction or interstate spread of certain animal or plant pests 
or diseases are also enforced by the Service. It also carries out 
research and operational activities to reduce crop and livestock 
depredations caused by birds, rodents, and predators.

Plant Protection and Quarantine Programs  Plant protection officials are 
responsible for programs to control or eradicate plant pests and 
diseases. These programs are carried out in cooperation with the States 
involved, other Federal agencies, farmers, and private organizations. 
Pest control programs use a single tool or a combination of pest control 
techniques, both chemical and nonchemical, which are both effective and 
safe.
    Agricultural quarantine inspection officials administer Federal 
regulations that prohibit or restrict the entry of foreign pests and 
plants, plant products, animal products and byproducts, and other 
materials that may harbor pests or diseases. Inspection service is 
maintained at all major sea, air, border, and interior ports of entry in 
the continental United States and in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S. 
Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Bermuda. Services also are provided on a 
regular or on-call basis at some 500 outlying ports and military 
installations throughout the country.
    Other responsibilities include the inspection and certification of 
domestic commodities for export; regulation of the import and export of 
endangered plant species and of genetically engineered organisms and 
products that present a plant pest risk; and ensuring that imported seed 
is free of noxious weeds.

Veterinary Services   Animal health officials are responsible for 
programs to protect and improve the health, quality, and marketability 
of U.S. animals and animal products. The programs are carried out 
through cooperative links with States, foreign governments, livestock 
producers, and other Federal Agencies.
    Service officials exclude, control, and eradicate animal pests and 
diseases by carrying out eradication and control programs for certain 
diseases, providing diagnostic services, and gathering and disseminating 
information regarding animal health in the United States through land, 
air, and ocean ports. They also certify as to the health status of

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animals and animal products being exported to other countries and 
respond to animal disease incursions or epidemics which threaten the 
health status of U.S. livestock and poultry.
    The Service also administers a Federal law intended to ensure that 
all veterinary biological products, whether developed by conventional or 
new biotechnological procedures, used in the diagnosis, prevention, and 
treatment of animal disease are safe, pure, potent, and effective. The 
Service regulates firms that manufacture veterinary biological products 
subject to the act, including licensing the manufacturing establishment 
and its products, inspecting production facilities and production 
methods, and testing products under a surveillance program.

Animal Care  The Service administers Federal laws concerned with the 
humane care and handling of all warm-blooded animals bought, sold, and 
transported--including common carriers--in commerce and used or intended 
for use as pets at the wholesale level, or used or intended for use in 
exhibitions or for research purposes. The agency also enforces the Horse 
Protection Act of 1970, which prohibits the soring of horses at shows 
and sales.

International Services  Service activities in the international arena 
include conducting cooperative plant and animal pest and disease 
control, eradication, and surveillance programs in foreign countries. 
These programs provide a first line of defense for the United States 
against threats such as screwworm, medfly, foot-and-mouth disease, and 
other exotic diseases and pests. The Service also provides international 
representation concerning sanitary and phytosanitary technical trade 
issues, and manages programs for overseas preclearance of commodities, 
passengers, and U.S. military activities.

Animal Damage Control  Animal Damage Control officials cooperate with 
States, counties, local communities, and agricultural producer groups to 
reduce crop and livestock depredations caused by birds, rodents, and 
predators. Using methods and techniques that are biologically sound, 
environmentally acceptable, and economically feasible, they participate 
in efforts to educate and advise farmers and ranchers on proper uses of 
control methods and techniques; they suppress serious nuisances and 
threats to public health and safety caused by birds, rodents, and other 
wildlife in urban and rural communities; and they work with airport 
managers to reduce risks of bird strikes. In addition, they conduct 
research into predator-prey relationships, new control methods, and more 
efficient and safe uses of present methods such as toxicants, repellants 
and attractants, biological controls, scare devices, and habitat 
alteration.

For further information, contact Legislative and Public Affairs, Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2511.

Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration

The Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) 
comprises the former Federal Grain Inspection Service and the former 
Packers and Stockyards Administration.
    The primary task of GIPSA is to carry out the provisions of the 
United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.), the Packers and 
Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended (7 U.S.C. 181-229), the Truth in 
Lending and Fair Credit Billing Acts (15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and the 
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.) with respect to 
firms subject to GIPSA. The Administration also manages the provisions 
of section 1324 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1631), 
certifying State central filing systems for notification of liens 
against farm products and ensures integrity in the inspection, weighing, 
and handling of U.S. grain.
    The Administration is responsible for establishing official U.S. 
standards for grain and other assigned commodities, and for 
administrating a nationwide official inspection and weighing system. It 
may, in response to formal application, authorize private and State 
agencies to perform official services under the authority contained in 
the act.

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    Two of GIPSA's three grain inspection divisions are located in 
Washington, DC; the third is located in Kansas City, MO. Most employees 
work in field offices around the Nation.

Inspection  The United States Grain Standards Act requires that, with 
some exceptions, all U.S. export grain be officially inspected. At 
export port locations, inspection is performed by GIPSA or by State 
agencies that have been delegated export inspection authority by the 
Administrator. For domestic grain, marketed at inland locations, the 
Administrator designates private and State agencies to provide official 
inspection services upon request. Both export and domestic services are 
provided on a fee basis.
     To ensure that the official U.S. grain standards are applied 
uniformly nationwide, GIPSA's field offices provide oversight, guidance, 
and assistance to non-Federal agencies performing inspection activities, 
both at export and inland inspection points.
    Buyers and sellers may request appeal inspections of original 
inspection results, first from a field office and then, if desired, from 
GIPSA's Board of Appeals and Review. The Administration maintains a 
quality control program to monitor the national inspection system and to 
ensure that all field locations accurately and uniformly apply the U.S. 
grain standards.

Weighing  Official weighing of U.S. export grain is performed at port 
locations by GIPSA or by State agencies that have been delegated export 
weighing authority by the Administrator. For domestic grain marketed at 
inland locations, the weighing services may be provided by GIPSA or by 
designated private or State agencies. Weighing services are provided on 
a fee basis, upon request.
    As with inspection activities, GIPSA field offices provide 
oversight, guidance, and assistance to non-Federal agencies performing 
official weighing services. With the support of the Association of 
American Railroads and user fees, it conducts a railroad track scale-
testing program which includes an annual testing service for all State 
and railroad company-owned master scales. The Administration is the only 
entity, public or private, which connects all railroad track scales to 
the national standards.

Standardization  The Administration is responsible for establishing, 
maintaining, and, as needed, revising official U.S. standards. Such 
standards exist for corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, flaxseed, sorghum, 
soybeans, triticale, sunflower seed, canola, and mixed grain. It is 
authorized to perform applied research to develop methods of improving 
accuracy and uniformity in grading grain.
    It is also responsible for standardization and inspection activities 
for rice, dry beans, peas, lentils, hay, straw, hops, and related 
processed grain commodities under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621). Although standards no longer exist for 
hay, straw, and hops, GIPSA maintains inspection procedures for and 
retains authority to inspect these commodities.

Methods Development  The Administration's methods development activities 
include applied research or tests that produce new or improved 
techniques for measuring grain quality. Examples include new knowledge 
gained through study of how to establish the framework for real-time 
grain inspection and develop reference methods to maintain consistency 
and standardization in the grain inspection system, and the comparison 
of different techniques for evaluation of end use quality in wheat. 
Included in this program area are also the development of a new wheat 
classification system, evaluation of prototype wheat hardness meters, 
and adapting measurement techniques for pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy 
metals, vitamins, and grain odor for use in the official grain 
inspection system.

Compliance  The Administration's compliance activities ensure accurate 
and uniform implementation of the act, applicable provisions of the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, and related regulations--including 
designating States and private agencies to carry out official

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inspection and weighing functions and monitoring, and overseeing and 
reviewing the operations of such agencies to ensure adequate 
performance.
    The agency administers a registration program for all firms that 
export grain from the United States. In conjunction with the Office of 
the Inspector General, it carries out a program for investigating 
reported violations, and initiates followup and corrective actions when 
appropriate. The total compliance program ensures the integrity of the 
national inspection and weighing system.

Packers and Stockyards Activities  The Packers and Stockyards Act is an 
antitrust, trade practice, and financial protection law. Its principal 
purpose is to maintain effective competition and fair trade practices in 
the marketing of livestock, meat, and poultry for the protection of 
livestock and poultry producers. Members of the livestock, poultry, and 
meat industries are also protected against unfair or monopolistic 
practices of competitors. The act also protects consumers against unfair 
business practices in the marketing of meats and poultry and against 
restrictions of competition that could unduly affect meat and poultry 
prices.
    The provisions of the Packers and Stockyards Act are enforced by 
investigations of violations of the act with emphasis on payment 
protection; detecting instances of commercial bribery, fraud in 
livestock marketing, and false weighing; requiring adequate bond 
coverage for commission firms, dealers, and packers; and the 
surveillance of marketing methods at public markets and in geographical 
market areas of the country.

For further information, contact the Grain Inspection, Packers, and 
Stockyards Administration, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20250. Phone, 202-720-0219.

Food Safety

Food Safety and Inspection Service

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) was established by the 
Secretary of Agriculture on June 17, 1981, pursuant to authority 
contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 (5 
U.S.C. app.). At that time, the Service was delegated authority for 
regulating the meat and poultry industry to ensure that meat and 
poultry, and meat and poultry products moving in interstate and foreign 
commerce were safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled. Under the 
Secretary's Memorandum No. 1010-1, dated October 23, 1994, the Service's 
authority was extended to include the inspection of egg products.

Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection  Federal meat and poultry 
inspection is mandatory for the following animals and birds used for 
human food: cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs, horses (and 
other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas. The work 
includes inspection of each animal or bird at slaughter, and inspection 
of processed products during various stages of production. Under the Egg 
Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056), the Service conducts 
mandatory, continuous inspection of the production of liquid, dried, and 
frozen egg products, to ensure that egg products are safe, wholesome, 
unadulterated, and accurately labeled. The Service tests samples of egg 
products, and meat and poultry products for microbial and chemical 
contaminants to monitor trends for enforcement purposes.
    Facilities and equipment are approved by FSIS before inspection is 
granted, and each product label must be approved by the agency before 
products can be sold. The agency monitors meat and poultry products in 
storage, distribution, and retail channels; and takes necessary 
compliance actions to protect the public, including detention of 
products, voluntary product recalls, court-ordered seizures of products, 
administrative withdrawal of inspection, and referral for criminal 
prosecution. The Service also

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conducts State programs for the inspection of meat and poultry products 
sold in intrastate commerce.
    The Service monitors livestock upon arrival at federally inspected 
facilities to ensure compliance with the Humane Slaughter Act (7 U.S.C. 
1901-1906); conducts voluntary reimbursed inspection for rabbits, other 
domestic food animals, and certain egg products not covered by the 
inspection law (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627); and ensures that inedible egg 
products and inedible products from meat or poultry, such as offal 
rendered for animal feed, are properly identified and isolated from 
edible products (21 U.S.C. 1031-1056 and 7 U.S.C. 1624, respectively).
    The Service maintains a toll-free meat and poultry hotline (800-535-
4555; in the Washington metropolitan area, 202-720-5604) to answer 
questions about labeling and safe handling of meat and poultry, meat and 
poultry products, and egg products. The hotline is also accessible (on 
the same extension) by TDD.

For further information, contact the Director, Food Safety Education and 
Communications Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7943. Fax, 202-720-
1843.

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

The mission of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) is to 
ensure access to nutritious, healthful diets for all Americans. Through 
food assistance and nutrition education, FNCS encourages Americans to 
make healthful food choices. Rather than simply providing food, FNCS 
works to empower people with knowledge of the link between diet and 
health, providing dietary guidance based on research.

Food and Consumer Service

The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) administers the USDA food assistance 
programs. These programs, which serve one in six Americans, provide a 
Federal safety net to people in need and represent our Nation's 
commitment to the principle that no one in this country should fear 
hunger or experience want. The goals of the programs are to provide 
needy persons with access to a more nutritious diet, to improve the 
eating habits of the Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by 
providing an outlet for distribution of foods purchased under farmer 
assistance authorities.
    Many of the food programs administered by FCS originated long before 
the agency was established as the Food and Nutrition Service in 1969. 
The Food Stamp Program, now the cornerstone of USDA food assistance, 
began in its modern form in 1961, but it originated as the Food Stamp 
Plan to help those in need in the 1930's. The National School Lunch 
Program also has it roots in Depression-era efforts to help low-income 
children. Today, its mission encompasses teaching children about 
nutrition and improving the nutrition standards of school meals. The 
Needy Family Program, which has evolved into the Food Distribution 
Program on Indian reservations, was the primary means of food assistance 
during the Great Depression.
    The Service works in partnership with the States in all its 
programs. State and local agencies determine most administrative details 
regarding distribution of food benefits and eligibility of participants, 
and FCS provides commodities and funding for additional food and to 
cover administrative costs. FCS administers the following food 
assistance programs:
    --The Food Stamp Program provides food benefits through State and 
local welfare agencies to needy persons to increase their food 
purchasing power. The benefits are used by program participants to buy 
food in any retail store that has been approved by the Food and Consumer 
Service to accept and redeem the benefits.
    --The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and

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Children (WIC) improves the health of low-income pregnant, 
breastfeeding, and nonbreastfeeding postpartum women, and infants and 
children up to 5 years of age by providing them with specific nutritious 
food supplements, nutrition education, and health care referrals.
    --The WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides WIC 
participants with increased access to fresh produce. Participants 
receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized 
farmers.
    --The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides an extensive 
package of foods monthly to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and 
breastfeeding women, their infants and children under age 6, and the 
elderly. Nutrition education is also provided through this program.
    --The National School Lunch Program supports nonprofit food services 
in elementary and secondary schools and in residential child-care 
institutions to improve the health and nutrition of the Nation's 
children. More than half the meals served through these institutions are 
free or at reduced cost.
    --The School Breakfast Program supplements the National School Lunch 
Program by supporting schools in providing needy children with 
breakfasts that meet established nutritional standards for free or at 
reduced cost.
    --The Special Milk Program for Children provides milk for children 
in those schools, summer camps, and child-care institutions that have no 
federally supported meal programs.
    --The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides cash and 
commodities for meals for preschool and school-aged children in child-
care facilities and for functionally impaired adults in facilities that 
provide nonresidential care for such individuals.
    --The Summer Food Service Program for Children helps various 
organizations get nutritious meals to needy preschool and school-aged 
children during the summer months and during school vacations.
    --The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides State agencies with 
commodities for distribution to food banks, food pantries, soup 
kitchens, and other charitable institutions throughout the country, with 
administrative funds to assist in distribution.
    --The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Trust 
Territories provides an extensive package of commodities monthly to low-
income households on or near Indian reservations. This program is 
administered at the local level by Indian tribal organizations or State 
agencies.
    --The Nutrition Program for the Elderly provides cash and 
commodities to States for meals for senior citizens. The food is 
delivered through senior citizen centers or meals-on-wheels programs.
    --The Nutrition Assistance Program, Puerto Rico and the Northern 
Marianas is a block grant program that replaces the Food Stamp Program 
in these two territories.
    --The Homeless Children Nutrition Program reimburses providers for 
nutritious meals served to homeless preschool children in emergency 
shelters.
    --The Nutrition Education and Training Program grants funds to 
States for the development and dissemination of nutrition information 
and materials to children and for inservice training of food service and 
teaching personnel.
    No person may be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, 
creed, national origin, or handicap in the programs administered by the 
Food and Consumer Service.

For further information, contact the Public Information Officer, Food 
and Consumer Service, Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA 22302. 
Phone, 703-305-2276. Internet, http://www.usda.gov/fcs.htm.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

The Center coordinates nutrition policy in USDA and provides overall 
leadership in nutrition education for the American public. It also 
coordinates with the Department of Health and Human Services in the 
review, revision, and dissemination of the Dietary Guidelines for 
Americans, the Federal Government's statement of nutrition policy formed 
by a

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consensus of scientific and medical professionals.

For further information, contact the Office of Public Information, 
Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, Suite 200, 1120 20th Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20036-3406. Phone, 202-418-2312. Internet, http://
www.usda.gov/fcs/cnpp.htm.

Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

Through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), this mission area administers 
farm commodity, crop insurance, and resource conservation programs for 
farmers, and makes loans through a network of State and county offices. 
Agency programs are directed at agricultural producers or, in the case 
of loans, at those with farming experience.

Farm Service Agency

The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 
888) significantly changed U.S. agricultural policy by removing the link 
between income support payments and farm prices. The law provided that 
farmers who participated in the wheat, feed grains, cotton, and rice 
programs in any one of the previous 5 years could enter into 7-year 
production flexibility contracts and receive a series of fixed payments. 
These payments are independent of farm prices and specific crop 
production, in contrast to the past, when deficiency payments were based 
on farm prices and the production of specific crops. The Federal 
Government no longer requires land to be idled or denies payments if 
farmers switch from their historical crop. The contract, however, 
requires participating producers to comply with existing conservation 
plans for the farm, wetland provisions, and planting flexibility 
provisions, as well as to keep the land in agricultural uses.
    The law provided for a one-time signup which ended August 1, 1996. 
There will be no additional signups except for land coming out of the 
Conservation Reserve Program.
    Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs are described below.

Commodity Loan Programs  The Agency administers commodity loan programs 
for wheat, rice, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, oilseeds, tobacco, 
peanuts, upland and extra-long-staple cotton, and sugar. It provides 
operating personnel for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which 
supports the prices of some agricultural commodities through loans and 
purchases. This provides farmers with interim financing and helps 
maintain balanced and adequate supplies of farm commodities, and their 
orderly distribution, throughout the year and during times of surplus 
and scarcity. Instead of immediately selling the crop after harvest, a 
farmer who grows one or more of most field crops can store the produce 
and take out a ``nonrecourse'' loan for its value, pledging the crop 
itself as collateral. ``Nonrecourse'' means that the producer can 
discharge debts in full by forfeiting or delivering the commodity to the 
Government.
    A producer must have entered into a production flexibility contract 
to be eligible for nonrecourse marketing assistance loans for wheat, 
feed grains, rice, and upland cotton. Any production of a contract 
commodity by a producer who has entered into a production flexibility 
contract is eligible for loans.
    Nonrecourse loans are also available for oilseeds, tobacco, peanuts, 
extra-long-staple cotton, raw cane sugar, and refined beet sugar, 
regardless of whether the producer has entered into a production 
flexibility contract. Price support for the marketing quota crops--
tobacco and peanuts--is made available through producer loan 
associations. By law, these programs must operate at no net cost to the 
U.S. Treasury, and no-net cost and marketing assessments are applied to 
both producers and purchasers.

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Commodity Purchase Programs  Under the dairy price support program, CCC 
buys surplus butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk from processors at 
announced prices to support the price of milk. These purchases help 
maintain market prices at the legislated support level, and the 
commodities are used for hunger relief both in the United States and in 
foreign countries.

Emergency Assistance  In the aftermath of a natural disaster, FSA makes 
available a variety of emergency assistance programs to farmers in 
counties that have been designated or declared disaster areas, including 
cost-share assistance to producers who do not have enough feed to 
maintain livestock because of a loss of a substantial amount of their 
normal feed production. Emergency loans are also available. In the event 
of a national emergency, FSA is responsible for ensuring adequate food 
production and distribution, as well as the continued availability of 
feed, seed, fertilizer, and farm machinery.

Farm Loans  The Agency offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and 
operating loan programs to farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain 
private commercial credit. Often, these are beginning farmers who can't 
qualify for conventional loans because they have insufficient net worth. 
The Agency also helps established farmers who have suffered financial 
setbacks from natural disasters or whose resources are too limited to 
maintain profitable farming operations.
    Under the guaranteed loan program, the Agency guarantees qualifying 
loans made by conventional agricultural lenders for up to 90 percent of 
principal. Farmers must apply to a conventional lender, who then 
arranges for the guarantee.
    For those unable to qualify for a guaranteed loan, FSA also lends 
directly to borrowers. To qualify for a direct farm ownership or 
operating loan, the applicant must be able to show sufficient repayment 
ability and pledge enough collateral to fully secure the loan. Funding 
authorities for direct loans are limited, and applicants may have to 
wait until funds become available.

Conservation Programs  The Conservation Reserve Program protects the 
Nation's most fragile farmland by encouraging farmers to stop growing 
crops on highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage. In 
return for planting a protective cover of grass or trees on vulnerable 
property, the owner receives a rental payment each year of a multi-year 
contract. Cost-share payments are also available to help establish 
permanent areas of grass, legumes, trees, windbreaks, or plants that 
improve water quality and give shelter and food to wildlife.
    The Agency also works with other USDA agencies to deliver 
conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives 
Program, which helps farmers and ranchers improve their property to 
protect the environment and conserve soil and water resources.

For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Farm Service 
Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0506, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5237. Internet, http://
www.fsa.usda.gov/.

Commodity Credit Corporation

The Commodity Credit Corporation was organized October 17, 1933, 
pursuant to Executive Order 6340 of October 16, 1933, under the laws of 
the State of Delaware, as an agency of the United States. From October 
17, 1933, to July 1, 1939, the Corporation was managed and operated in 
close affiliation with the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. On July 
1, 1939, the agency was transferred to the Department of Agriculture by 
the President's Reorganization Plan No. I of 1939 (5 U.S.C. app.). 
Approval of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act on June 29, 
1948 (15 U.S.C. 714), subsequently amended, established the Corporation, 
effective July 1, 1948, as an agency and instrumentality of the United 
States under a permanent Federal charter.
    The Corporation stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and 
prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of 
agricultural commodities and their products, and

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facilitates the orderly distribution of commodities.
    The Corporation is managed by a Board of Directors, subject to the 
general supervision and direction of the Secretary of Agriculture, who 
is an ex officio Director and Chairman of the Board. The Board consists 
of seven members (in addition to the Secretary of Agriculture), who are 
appointed by the President of the United States.
    The Corporation is capitalized at $100 million and has statutory 
authority to borrow up to $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury. It 
utilizes the personnel and facilities of the Farm Service Agency and, in 
certain foreign assistance operations, the Foreign Agricultural Service 
to carry out its activities.
    A commodity office in Kansas City, MO, has specific responsibilities 
for the acquisition, handling, storage, and disposal of commodities and 
products held by the Corporation.

Foreign Assistance  Under Public Law 480, the Agricultural Trade 
Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1691), the 
Corporation carries out assigned foreign assistance activities, such as 
guaranteeing the credit sale of U.S. agricultural commodities abroad. 
Major emphasis is also being directed toward meeting the needs of 
developing nations under the Food for Peace Act of 1966 (7 U.S.C. 1691), 
which further amends the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance 
Act of 1954. Under these authorities, agricultural commodities are 
supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to encourage 
economic development in developing countries. In addition, the 
Corporation supplies commodities under the Food for Progress Program to 
provide assistance to developing democracies.
    The Corporation encourages U.S. financial institutions to provide 
financing to developing countries under the Export Credit Guarantee 
Programs administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service.

For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Farm Service 
Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0506, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5237. Internet, http://
www.fsa.usda.gov/. For information about Commodity Credit Corporation 
export programs, contact the Information Division, Foreign Agricultural 
Service, Department of Agriculture. Phone, 202-720-3448.

Risk Management Agency

Federal crop insurance protects farmers or ranchers from unexpected 
production losses from natural causes including drought, excessive 
moisture, hail, wind, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. It 
does not cover losses resulting from neglect, poor farming practices, 
theft, or low prices. Currently, insurance is available for 64 different 
crops.
    Catastrophic crop insurance (CAT) compensates a farmer for crop 
losses greater than 50 percent of the operation's average yield, at 60 
percent of the expected market price. Assistance can be obtained at 
local FSA offices in most States or from private crop insurance agents 
for a nominal processing fee. Producers who decide not to buy crop 
insurance when it is available may still participate in USDA commodity, 
conservation, and credit programs. However, they must sign a waiver 
agreeing to give up eligibility for emergency crop disaster assistance.
    The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) protects 
growers of many crops for which Federal crop insurance is not available. 
In addition, any losses resulting from natural disasters not covered by 
the crop insurance policy may also be eligible. Assistance is available 
for crops grown commercially for food and fiber. Floriculture, 
ornamental nursery products, Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed 
crops, aquaculture, and industrial crops are also included.

For further information, contact Public Affairs, Risk Management Agency, 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250.

Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has primary responsibility for 
USDA's

[[Page 130]]

overseas market information, access, and development programs. It also 
administers USDA's export assistance and foreign food assistance 
programs. The Service carries out its tasks through its network of 
agricultural counselors, attaches, and trade officers stationed overseas 
and its U.S.-based team of analysts, marketing specialists, negotiators, 
and other professionals.
    The Foreign Agricultural Service maintains a worldwide agricultural 
intelligence and reporting system through its attache service. This 
service consists of a team of professional agriculturalists posted in 
more than 75 countries around the world. They represent the Department 
of Agriculture and provide information and data on foreign government 
agricultural policies, analyses of supply and demand conditions, 
commercial trade relationships, and market opportunities. They report on 
more than 100 farm commodities, weather, economic factors, and related 
subjects that affect agriculture and agricultural trade.
    At the Foreign Agricultural Service in Washington, DC, agricultural 
economists and marketing specialists analyze these and other reports. 
These analyses are supplemented by accumulated background information 
and by the Crop Condition Assessment system, which analyzes Landsat 
satellite weather and other data.
    To improve access for U.S. farm products abroad, FAS international 
trade policy specialists coordinate and direct USDA's responsibilities 
in international trade agreement programs and negotiations. They 
maintain an ongoing effort to reduce foreign trade barriers and 
practices that discourage the export of U.S. farm products.
    To follow foreign governmental actions that affect the market for 
U.S. agricultural commodities, FAS relies on its agricultural counselors 
and attaches. In Washington, a staff of international trade specialists 
analyzes the trade policies and practices of foreign governments to 
ensure conduct in conformance with international treaty obligations. 
During international negotiations, FAS provides staff and support for 
U.S. agricultural representation.
    The Service has a continuing market development program to create, 
service, and expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural 
products. It carries out programs with nonprofit commodity groups called 
Cooperators, trade associations, and State agriculture departments and 
their regional associations. It manages market opportunity referral 
services and organizes trade fairs and sales teams.
    The Service's Office of the General Sales Manager also oversees 
agricultural functions under the Public Law 480 Food for Peace Program, 
title I (7 U.S.C. 1701); section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 
(7 U.S.C. 1431); the Commodity Credit Corporation's (CCC) Export Credit 
Guarantee Programs; several other export assistance programs; and direct 
sales of Corporation-owned surplus commodities.
    The Commodity Credit Corporation Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-102) 
and the Intermediate Export Credit Guarantee (GSM-103) Programs 
encourage the development or expansion of overseas markets for U.S. 
agricultural commodities by providing guarantees on private financing of 
U.S. exports to foreign buyers purchasing on credit terms.
    The foreign buyer contracts for the purchase of U.S. commodities on 
a deferred-payment basis of 3 years or less under GSM-102, or between 3 
and 10 years under GSM-103. The foreign buyer's bank issues a letter of 
credit to guarantee payment to the U.S. exporter or an assignee U.S. 
lending institution. To receive the payment guarantee, the exporter 
registers the sale with CCC prior to export and pays a guarantee fee. 
The payment guarantee is implemented only if the foreign bank fails to 
pay the exporter or the assignee U.S. lending institution.
    The Corporation considers coverage on sales of any U.S. agricultural 
commodity that has the potential of expanding U.S. export markets. A 
U.S. exporter, private foreign buyer, or foreign government may submit 
requests

[[Page 131]]

that may result in authorized guarantee coverage.
    Several export assistance programs are designed to counter or offset 
the adverse effects from competitors' unfair trade practices on U.S. 
agriculture. These programs include the Export Enhancement Program (EEP) 
and the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP).
    Under EEP, USDA provides Corporation-owned commodities or cash as 
export bonuses to make U.S. commodities more competitive in the world 
marketplace. The DEIP and EEP programs are similar, but DEIP is 
restricted to dairy products.
    The Foreign Agricultural Service is also responsible for sales of 
Corporation-owned surplus commodities to private trade, foreign 
government, and nonprofit organizations. Direct sales may be negotiated 
on a case-by-case basis and on a cash or credit basis. The only criteria 
for financing direct sales are a 3-year maximum credit plan and the 
arrangement of suitable payment terms.
    Another program authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, 
and Trade Act of 1990 is the Market Promotion Program, formerly known as 
Targeted Export Assistance (TEA). The Market Promotion Program provides 
assistance in the form of cash or commodities to trade promotion 
organizations to help fund their market development activities overseas, 
particularly in those markets where the United States encounters unfair 
trade practices by foreign competitors or importers.
    The Service helps other USDA agencies, U.S. universities, and others 
enhance America's agricultural competitiveness globally; and increases 
income and food availability in developing nations by mobilizing 
expertise for agriculturally led economic growth.
    The Service's programs enhance U.S. agriculture's competitiveness by 
providing U.S. agriculturalists and scientists with linkages to world 
resources. These linkages often produce new germplasm and technologies 
that can be vital to improving our current agricultural base and 
producing new and alternative products. They also foster relationships 
and understandings that result in trade opportunities and strengthened 
strategic and political ties.
    The Service is a link between the technical expertise of the U.S. 
agricultural community and Third World nations. By sharing agricultural 
knowledge with less-developed nations, the United States provides tools 
to help build stable economies and a more prosperous world. In the 
process, less- developed nations overcome the barriers of hunger and 
poverty and gain the economic means to buy needed goods and services in 
the world marketplace.
    The Service also manages programs to exchange visits, germplasm, and 
technologies between U.S. and international scientists; supports 
collaborative research projects of mutual interest to the United States 
and other nations; taps the U.S. agricultural community to provide 
technical assistance and professional development and training programs 
to assist economic development in lower income nations; serves as U.S. 
liaison with international organizations; and organizes overseas trade 
and investment missions.
    These activities serve the needs of other USDA agencies, the Agency 
for International Development, other public and private institutions, 
foreign nations, development banks, and the U.S. university and 
agricultural communities.

For further information, contact the Information Division, Foreign 
Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-
1000. Phone, 202-720-7115.

Research, Education, and Economics

This mission area's main focus is to create, apply, and transfer 
knowledge and technology to provide affordable food and fiber, ensure 
food safety and

[[Page 132]]

nutrition, and support rural development and natural resource needs of 
people by conducting integrated national and international research, 
information, education, and statistical programs and services that are 
in the national interest.

Agricultural Research Service

The Agricultural Research Service conducts research to develop and 
transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority. 
It provides information access and dissemination to ensure high-quality, 
safe food and other agricultural products; assess the nutritional needs 
of Americans; sustain a competitive agricultural economy; enhance the 
natural resource base and the environment; and provide economic 
opportunities for rural citizens, communities, and society as a whole.
    All administrative and management responsibilities of the four 
Research, Education, and Economic agencies--Agricultural Research 
Service (ARS), Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES), Economic Research Service (ERS), and National 
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)--are administered by the ARS 
Administrative and Financial Management Unit headquartered in 
Washington, DC.
    Research activities are carried out at 104 domestic locations 
(including Puerto Rico) and 3 overseas locations. Much of this research 
is conducted in cooperation with partners in State universities and 
experiment stations, other Federal agencies, and private organizations. 
A national program staff, headquartered in Beltsville, MD, is the focal 
point in the overall planning and coordination of ARS' research 
programs. Day-to-day management of the respective programs for specific 
field locations is assigned to eight area offices.

                                   Area Offices--Agricultural Research Service                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Office                                                  Address                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BELTSVILLE AREA--Beltsville Agricultural Research Center,        Bldg. 003, Beltsville Agricultural Research    
 National Arboretum, Washington, DC                               Ctr. W., Beltsville, MD 20705                 
                                                                                                                
MIDSOUTH AREA--AL, KY, LA, MS, TN                                P.O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776             
                                                                                                                
MIDWEST AREA--IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI                     1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61804       
                                                                                                                
NORTHERN PLAINS AREA--CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, WY             Suite 150, 1201 Oakridge Rd., Fort Collins, CO 
                                                                  80525-5562                                    
                                                                                                                
NORTH ATLANTIC AREA--CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI,     600 E. Mermaid Ln., Philadelphia, PA 19118     
 VT, WV                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                
PACIFIC WEST AREA--AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA                800 Buchanan St., Albany, CA 94710             
                                                                                                                
SOUTH ATLANTIC AREA--FL, GA, NC, PR, SC, VI, VA                  P.O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30613                
                                                                                                                
SOUTHERN PLAINS AREA--AR, NM, OK, TX                             Suite 230, 7607 Eastmark Dr., College Station, 
                                                                  TX 77840                                      
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The National Agricultural Library (NAL), administered by ARS, 
provides information services over a broad range of agricultural 
interests to a wide cross-section of users, from research scientists to 
the general public. The Library assists its users through a variety of 
specialized information centers. Its staff uses advanced information 
technologies to generate new information products, creating an 
electronic library as it improves access to the knowledge stored in its 
multimedia collection of more than 2 million items.
    Information is made available through loans, photocopies, reference 
services, and literature searches. A subject profiling system for 
selective searches of agricultural data bases is available for USDA 
scientists. Citations to the agricultural literature are stored in the 
Agricultural Online Access (AGRICOLA) data base, available through 
online computer systems and on compact disc. The Library also 
distributes in the United States the AGRIS data base of citations to the 
agricultural literature prepared by centers in various parts of the 
world and coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 
United Nations.

For further information, contact the Information Staff, Agricultural 
Research Service, Department of Agriculture, 6303 Ivy Lane, Room 450, 
Greenbelt, MD 20770. Phone, 301-344-2340.

[[Page 133]]

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 
(CSREES) expands the research and higher education functions of the 
former Cooperative State Research Service and the education and outreach 
functions of the former Extension Service. The result is better customer 
service and an enhanced ability to respond to national priorities.
    The Service links the research and education resources and 
activities of USDA and works with the following institutions: land-grant 
institutions in each State, territory, and the District of Columbia; 
more than 130 colleges of agriculture; 59 agricultural experiment 
stations; 57 cooperative extension services; 63 schools of forestry; 
sixteen 1890 historically Black land-grant institutions and Tuskegee 
University; 27 colleges of veterinary medicine; 42 schools and colleges 
of family and consumer services; twenty-nine 1994 Native American land-
grant institutions; and 127 Hispanic-serving institutions, including 81 
members and 45 associate members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges 
and Universities.
    In cooperation with its partners and customers, CSREES provides the 
focus to advance a global system of research, extension, and higher 
education in the food and agricultural sciences and related 
environmental and human sciences to benefit people, communities, and the 
Nation.
    The Service's mission emphasizes partnerships with the public and 
private sectors to maximize the effectiveness of limited resources. Its 
programs increase and provide access to scientific knowledge; strengthen 
the capabilities of land-grant and other institutions in research, 
extension, and higher education; increase access to and use of improved 
communication and network systems; and promote informed decisionmaking 
by producers, families, and social conditions in the United States and 
globally. These conditions include improved agricultural and other 
economic enterprises; safer, cleaner water, food, and air; enhanced 
stewardship and management of natural resources; healthier, more 
responsible and more productive individuals, families, and communities; 
and a stable, secure, diverse, and affordable national food supply.
    The Service provides research, extension, and education leadership 
through programs in Plant and Animal Production, Protection, and 
Processing; Natural Resources and Environment; Rural, Economic, and 
Social Development; Families, 4-H, and Nutrition; Partnerships; 
Competitive Research Grants and Awards Management; Science and Education 
Resources Development; and Communications, Technology, and Distance 
Education.
    The Service's partnership with the land-grant universities and their 
representatives is critical to the effective shared planning, delivery, 
and accountability for research, higher education, and extension 
programs.
    As a recognized leader in the design, organization, and application 
of advanced communication technologies and in meeting the growing demand 
for enhanced distance education capabilities, CSREES provides essential 
community access to research and education knowledge and connects the 
private citizen to other Federal Government information.

For further information, contact the Communications, Technology, and 
Distance Education Office, Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-0906. 
Phone, 202-720-4651. Fax, 202-690-0289. TDD, 202-690-1899. E-mail, 
[email protected]. Internet, http://www.reeusda.gov/.

Economic Research Service

The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to provide 
economic and other social science information and analysis for public 
and private decisions on agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural 
America. The Service produces such information for use by the general 
public and to help the executive and legislative branches develop, 
administer,

[[Page 134]]

and evaluate agricultural and rural policies and programs.
    The Service produces economic information through a program of 
research and analysis on: domestic and international agricultural 
developments; statistical indicators of food and consumer issues and 
concerns, including nutrition education and food assistance, food safety 
regulation, determinants of consumer demand for quality and safety, and 
food marketing trends and developments; agricultural resource and 
environmental issues; and the effect of public and private actions and 
policies on national rural and agricultural conditions, including the 
transformation of the rural economy, the financial performance of the 
farm sector, and the implications of changing farm credit and financial 
market structures.

For further information, contact the Information Services Division, 
Economics Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20005-4788. Phone, 202-219-0310.

Office of Energy and New Uses  The Office of Energy and New Uses serves 
as the focal point for all energy-related matters within the Department. 
The Office is responsible for developing and coordinating all USDA 
energy policies; reviewing and evaluating all USDA energy and energy-
related programs; evaluating the economics of new nonfood uses for 
agricultural crops; serving as economic liaison on new uses issues; and 
providing liaison with the Department of Energy and other Federal 
agencies and departments on energy activities that may affect 
agriculture and rural America. A major component of this is the 
responsibility for the coordination and evaluation of the departmental 
Biofuels Program.
    The Office also represents the Department in meetings with 
agriculture, industry, and consumer groups to discuss effects of 
departmental energy policies, programs, and proposals on the 
agricultural sector and rural economy.

For further information, contact the Information Services Division, 
Economic Research Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 
20005-4788. Phone, 202-219-0310.

National Agricultural Statistics Service

The National Agricultural Statistics Service prepares estimates and 
reports on production, supply, price, and other items necessary for the 
orderly operation of the U.S. agricultural economy.
    The reports include statistics on field crops, fruits and 
vegetables, dairy, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, aquaculture, and 
related commodities or processed products. Other estimates concern farm 
numbers, farm production expenditures, agricultural chemical use, prices 
received by farmers for products sold, prices paid for commodities and 
services, indexes of prices received and paid, parity prices, farm 
employment, and farm wage rates.
    The Service prepares these estimates through a complex system of 
sample surveys of producers, processors, buyers, and others associated 
with agriculture. Information is gathered by mail, telephone, personal 
interviews, and field visits.
    The 45 State-Federal offices, serving all 50 States, and the 
national office prepare weekly, monthly, annual, and other periodic 
reports for free distribution to the news media, Congress, and survey 
respondents. The reports are available to others free on the Internet, 
or on a subscription basis. Information on crop and livestock products 
appears in about 400 reports issued annually. Cooperative agreements 
with State agencies also permit preparation and publication of estimates 
of individual crops and livestock by counties in most States.
    The Service performs reimbursable survey work and statistical 
consulting services for other Federal and State agencies and provides 
technical assistance for developing agricultural data systems in other 
countries.

For further information, contact the Executive Assistant to the 
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2000. Phone, 202-720-5141.

[[Page 135]]

Natural Resources and Environment

This mission area is responsible for fostering sound stewardship of 75 
percent of the Nation's total land area. Ecosystems are the underpinning 
for the Department's operating philosophy in this area, in order to 
maximize stewardship of our natural resources. This approach ensures 
that products, values, services, and uses desired by people are produced 
in ways that sustain healthy, productive ecosystems.

Forest Service

[For the Forest Service statement of organization, see the Code of 
Federal Regulations, Title 36, Part 200.1]

The Forest Service was created by the Transfer Act of February 1, 1905 
(16 U.S.C. 472), which transferred the Federal forest reserves and the 
responsibility for their management from the Department of the Interior 
to the Department of Agriculture. The forest reserves were established 
by the President from the public domain under authority of the Creative 
Act of March 3, 1891 (26 Stat. 1103). The protection and development of 
the reserves (which became the national forests in 1907) are governed by 
the Organic Act of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 U.S.C. 473-478); the 
Multiple Use-Sustained Yield Act of June 12, 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528-531); 
the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 
U.S.C. 1601-1610); and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (90 
Stat. 2947). The Weeks Law of March 1, 1911, as amended (16 U.S.C. 480), 
allowed the Government to purchase and exchange land for national 
forests.

Objectives  The Forest Service has the Federal responsibility for 
national leadership in forestry. As set forth in law, its mission is to 
achieve quality land management under the sustainable, multiple-use 
management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. To accomplish 
this goal, it has adopted objectives which include:
    --advocating a conservation ethic in promoting the health, 
productivity, diversity, and beauty of forests and associated lands;
    --listening to people and responding to their diverse needs in 
making decisions;
    --protecting and managing the national forests and grasslands to 
best demonstrate the sustainable, multiple-use management concept;
    --providing technical and financial assistance to State and private 
forest landowners, encouraging them toward active stewardship and 
quality land management in meeting their specific objectives;
    --providing technical and financial assistance to cities and 
communities to improve their natural environment by planting trees and 
caring for their forests;
    --providing international technical assistance and scientific 
exchanges to sustain and enhance global resources and to encourage 
quality land management;
    --assisting States and communities in using the forests wisely to 
promote rural economic development and a quality rural environment;
    --developing and providing scientific and technical knowledge, 
improving our capability to protect, manage, and use forests and 
rangelands; and
    --providing work, training, and education to the unemployed, 
underemployed, elderly, youth, and the disadvantaged.

National Forest System  The Service manages 155 national forests, 20 
national grasslands, and 8 land utilization projects on over 191 million 
acres in 44 States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico under the 
principles of multiple-use and sustained yield. The Nation's tremendous 
need for wood and paper products is balanced with the other vital, 
renewable resources or benefits that the national forests and grasslands 
provide: recreation and natural beauty, wildlife habitat, livestock 
forage, and water supplies. The guiding principle is the greatest good 
to the greatest number in the long run.

[[Page 136]]

    These lands are protected as much as possible from wildfire, 
epidemics of disease and insect pests, erosion, floods, and water and 
air pollution. Burned areas get emergency seeding treatment to prevent 
massive erosion and stream siltation. Roads and trails are built where 
needed to allow for closely regulated timber harvesting and to give the 
public access to outdoor recreation areas and provide scenic drives and 
hikes. Picnic, camping, water-sport, skiing, and other areas are 
provided with facilities for public convenience and enjoyment. Timber 
harvesting methods are used that will protect the land and streams, 
assure rapid renewal of the forest, provide food and cover for wildlife 
and fish, and have minimum impact on scenic and recreation values. Local 
communities benefit from the logging and milling activities. These lands 
also provide needed oil, gas, and minerals. Rangelands are improved for 
millions of livestock and game animals. The national forests provide a 
refuge for many species of endangered birds, animals, and fish. Some 
34.6 million acres are set aside as wilderness and 175,000 acres as 
primitive areas where timber will not be harvested.

Cooperation With the States  The Service provides national leadership 
and financial and technical assistance to non-Federal forest landowners, 
operators, processors of forest products, and urban forestry interests. 
Through its cooperative State and private forestry programs, the Service 
protects and improves the quality of air, water, soil, and open space 
and encourages uses of natural resources on non-Federal lands that best 
meet the needs of the Nation, while protecting the environment.
    Cooperative programs are carried out through the State foresters or 
equivalent State officials, who receive grant funding under the 
Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2101). 
Cooperators at the State and local levels provide the delivery system 
for most State and private forestry programs.
    Grant funds and technical assistance are available for rural 
forestry assistance, forestry incentives, insect and disease control, 
urban forestry assistance, rural fire prevention and control, 
organization management assistance, State forest resource planning, and 
technology implementation.
    The Service also cooperates with other USDA agencies in providing 
leadership and technical assistance for the forestry aspects of 
conservation programs.
    The Service's State and private forestry program staff also ensure 
that the Service and its cooperators keep abreast of the best knowledge 
and technology in carrying out its programs, and they help to develop 
technology transfer plans for implementing research results for a broad 
range of potential users.

Forest Research  The Service performs basic and applied research to 
develop the scientific information and technology needed to protect, 
manage, use, and sustain the natural resources of the Nation's 1.6 
billion acres of forests and rangelands. This research is conducted 
through a network of 7 forest experiment stations, a Forest Products 
Laboratory, and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, 
including research work units at 77 project locations throughout the 
United States, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Trust Islands. Under the 
authority of the McSweeny-McNary Act of May 22, 1928, as amended and 
supplemented (45 Stat. 699), research is often performed in cooperation 
with many of the State agricultural colleges. The Forest Research 
Service's strategy focuses on three major program components: 
understanding the structure and functions of forest and range 
ecosystems; understanding how people perceive and value the protection, 
management, and use of natural resources; and determining which 
protection, management, and utilization practices are most suitable for 
sustainable production and use of the world's natural resources.

International Forestry  In response to the U.S. commitment to support 
natural resource conservation around the world, Congress established the 
International Forestry Division within the USDA's Forest Service. Its 
mandate is to provide assistance that promotes sustainable development 
and global environmental

[[Page 137]]

stability, particularly in key countries important in global climate 
change. This mandate includes a national goal for sustainable management 
of all forests by the year 2000, investigating research topics with 
implications for global forest management, and sharing resource 
management experience with colleagues around the world.
    Responsibility for global stewardship is shared by the entire Forest 
Service. The Forest Service's Office of International Forestry mobilizes 
support of all Forest Service units--Research, National Forest System, 
State and Private Forestry, Administration, and Programs and 
Legislation--to work with other governmental agencies, nongovernmental 
groups, and international organizations in four major international 
areas: strategic planning and policy development, training and technical 
assistance, research and scientific exchange, and disaster relief.

Human Resource Programs  The Service operates the Youth Conservation 
Corps and the Volunteers in the National Forests programs and 
participates with the Department of Labor on several human resource 
programs that involve the Nation's citizens, both young and old, in 
forestry-related activities. Included in these programs are the Job 
Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program. These 
programs annually accomplish millions of dollars worth of conservation 
work, while providing participants with such benefits as training, paid 
employment, and meaningful outdoor experience.

                      Field Offices--Forest Service                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Region/Station/Area                        Address                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
National Forest System Regions \1\--Regional Forester                   
                                                                        
1. Northern                 Federal Bldg. (P.O. Box 7669), Missoula, MT 
                             59807                                      
2. Rocky Mountain           740 Simms St. (P.O. Box 25127), Lakewood, CO
                             80225                                      
3. Southwestern             517 Gold Ave. SW., Albuquerque, NM 87102    
4. Intermountain            324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401               
5. Pacific Southwest        630 Sansome St., San Francisco, CA 94111    
6. Pacific Northwest        333 SW. 1st Ave. (P.O. Box 3623), Portland, 
                             OR 97208                                   
8. Southern                 1720 Peachtree Rd. NW., Atlanta, GA 30367   
9. Eastern                  310 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203  
10. Alaska                  Federal Office Bldg. (P.O. Box 21628),      
                             Juneau, AK 99802                           
                                                                        
             Forest and Range Experiment Stations--Director             
                                                                        
Intermountain               324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401               
North Central               1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108       
Northeastern                Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd. (P.O. Box    
                             6775), Radnor, PA 19087-4585               
Pacific Northwest           333 SW. 1st Ave. (P.O. Box 3890), Portland, 
                             OR 97208                                   
Pacific Southwest           800 Buchanan St. (P.O. Box 245), Albany, CA 
                             94710                                      
Rocky Mountain              240 W. Prospect Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80526
Southern                    200 Weaver Blvd. (P.O. Box 2860), Asheville,
                             NC 28804                                   
Forest Products Laboratory  One Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53705  
                                                                        
             State and Private Forestry Areas \2\--Director             
                                                                        
Northeastern                Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd. (P.O. Box    
                             6775), Radnor, PA 19087-4585               
International Institute of  Guadecanal St. (Call Box 25000), Rio        
 Tropical Forestry           Piedras, PR 00928                          
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ There is no Region 7.                                               
\2\ In Regions 1 through 6, 8, and 10, State and private forestry       
  activities are directed from regional headquarters.                   

For further information, contact the Public Affairs Office, Forest 
Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 
20090-6090. Phone, 202-720-3760.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

[For the Natural Resources Conservation Service statement of 
organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Parts 600 
and 601]

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil 
Conservation Service, has national responsibility for helping America's 
farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners develop and carry out 
voluntary efforts to conserve and protect our natural resources. The 
Service is USDA's technical delivery arm for conservation.

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Conservation Technical Assistance  This is the foundation program of 
NRCS. Under this program, NRCS provides technical assistance to land 
users and units of government for the purpose of sustaining agricultural 
productivity and protecting and enhancing the natural resource base. 
This assistance is based on the voluntary cooperation of private 
landowners and involves comprehensive approaches to reduce soil erosion, 
improve soil and water quantity and quality, improve and conserve 
wetlands, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve air quality, 
improve pasture and range condition, reduce upstream flooding, and 
improve woodlands. Every year, more than 1 million land users receive 
these technical services, which are channeled through nearly 3,000 
conservation districts across the United States and its territories.

Natural Resources Inventory  The Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) is a 
report issued every 5 years on how well the Nation is sustaining natural 
resources on non-Federal land. This report contains the most 
comprehensive and statistically reliable data of its kind in the world. 
The Inventory provides data on the kind and amount of soil, water, 
vegetation, and related resources; the effects of current land use and 
management practices on the present and future supply and condition of 
soil, water, and vegetation; and the changes and trends in the use, 
extent, and condition of these resources. Inventory data and analytical 
software are available to the public on CD-ROM.

National Cooperative Soil Survey  The National Cooperative Soil Survey 
provides the public with local information on the uses and capabilities 
of their soils. The published soil survey for a county or other 
designated area includes maps and interpretations that are the 
foundation for farm planning and other private land use decisions as 
well as for resource planning and policy by Federal, State, and local 
governments. The surveys are conducted cooperatively with other Federal, 
State, and local agencies and land grant universities. The Service is 
the national and world leader in soil classification and soil mapping, 
and is now expanding its work in soil quality.

Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program  This program collects 
snowpack moisture data and forecasts seasonal water supplies for streams 
that derive most of their water from snowmelt. It helps farm operators, 
rural communities, and municipalities manage water resources through 
water supply forecasts. It also provides hydrometeorological data for 
regulating reservoir storage and managing streamflow. The Snow Supply 
Program is conducted in 11 Western States and Alaska.
Plant Materials Program  At 26 plant materials centers across the 
country, NRCS tests, selects, and ensures the commercial availability of 
new and improved conservation plants for erosion reduction, wetland 
restoration, water quality improvement, streambank and riparian area 
protection, coastal dune stabilization, biomass production, carbon 
sequestration, and other needs. The Plant Materials Program is a 
cooperative effort with conservation districts, other Federal and State 
agencies, commercial businesses, and seed and nursery associations.

River Basin Surveys and Investigations  This program involves NRCS with 
Federal, State, and local agencies in river basin surveys and 
investigations, flood hazard analysis, and floodplain management 
assistance. It addresses a variety of natural resource concerns: water 
quality, water conservation, wetlands protection, agricultural drought, 
rural development, municipal and industrial water needs, and fish and 
wildlife habitat.

Small Watersheds Program  The Small Watersheds Program helps local 
sponsoring groups to voluntarily plan and install watershed protection 
projects on private lands. These projects include flood prevention, 
water quality improvement, soil erosion and sediment reduction, rural 
and municipal water supply, irrigation water management, fish and 
wildlife habitat enhancement, and wetlands restoration. The Service

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helps local community groups, government entities, and private 
landowners working together using an integrated, comprehensive watershed 
approach to natural resource planning.

Flood Prevention Program  This program applies to 11 specific flood 
prevention projects covering about 35 million acres in 11 States. It 
provides help in flood prevention, water management, and reduction of 
erosion sedimentation. It also can help in developing recreational 
facilities and improving fish and wildlife habitat.

Emergency Watershed Protection Program  This program provides emergency 
assistance to safeguard lives and property in jeopardy due to sudden 
watershed impairment by natural disasters. Emergency work includes 
quickly establishing a protective plant cover on denuded land and stream 
banks; opening dangerously restricted channels; and repairing diversions 
and levees. An emergency area need not be declared a national disaster 
area to be eligible for help under this program.

Great Plains Conservation Program  This program (GPCP) helps bring about 
long-term solutions to natural resource problems in the 10 Great Plains 
States. It is aimed at total conservation treatment of entire farms or 
ranches. Participation in GPCP is voluntary and provides technical 
assistance and a long-term cost-share contract between the participant 
and NRCS. The program has been effective in addressing the needs of 
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and the needs of American 
Indian farmers and ranchers. In addition to providing significant 
erosion and sediment reduction benefits, it addresses problems related 
to water quality, wildlife habitat protection, and other environmental 
concerns.

Resource Conservation and Development Program  This program (RC&D) is a 
locally driven program--an opportunity for civic-oriented groups to work 
together sharing knowledge and resources in solving common problems 
facing their region. The program offers aid in balancing the 
environmental, economic, and social needs of an area. A USDA coordinator 
helps each designated RC&D council plan, develop, and carry out programs 
for resource conservation, water management, community development, and 
environmental enhancement.

Rural Abandoned Mine Program  This program (RAMP) helps protect people 
and the environment from the adverse effects of past coal-mining 
practices and promotes the development of soil and water resources on 
unreclaimed mine land. It provides technical and financial assistance to 
land users who voluntarily enter into 5- to 10-year contracts for the 
reclamation of eligible land and water.

Wetlands Reserve Program  Under this program, USDA purchases easements 
from agricultural land owners who voluntarily agree to restore and 
protect wetlands. Service employees help these owners develop plans to 
retire critical wetland habitat from crop production. The primary 
objectives are to preserve and restore wetlands, improve wildlife 
habitat, and protect migratory waterfowl.

Water Bank Program  The Service helps landowners protect, improve, or 
restore wetlands by identifying eligible lands, helping owners develop 
conservation plans, and implementing necessary land treatments. Through 
10-year rental agreements between USDA and landowners, the Water Bank 
Program protects important nesting, breeding, and feeding areas for 
migratory waterfowl. Other benefits of the program include water 
conservation, erosion control, flood control, and landscape 
beautification.

Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program  This voluntary incentive 
program supports the Nation's commitment to water quality in the 
Colorado River, which provides water to more than 18 million people in 
parts of seven Western States and Mexico. The Service provides financial 
and technical assistance to control salt loading to the Colorado River 
from both natural and human-caused sources. Among the remedies used are 
management practices to prevent irrigation-induced erosion.

Forestry Incentives Program  This program helps to increase the Nation's

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supply of products from nonindustrial private forest lands. This also 
ensures more effective use of existing forest lands and, over time, 
helps to prevent shortages and price increases for forest products. The 
program shares the cost incurred by landowners for tree planting and 
timberstand improvement.

Farmland Protection Program (FPP)  This new program protects soil by 
encouraging landowners to limit conversion of their farmland to 
nonagricultural uses. States, Indian tribes, or local governments 
administer all aspects of acquiring lands that are in FPP except when it 
is more effective and efficient for the Federal Government to do so. 
Funds for FPP come from the Commodity Credit Corporation. The Program is 
authorized by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 
to protect between 170,000 and 340,000 acres of farmland.

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)  This Program assists 
producers with environmental and natural resource conservation 
improvements on their agricultural lands. One-half of the available 
funds are for conservation activities related to livestock production. 
Technical assistance, cost-share payments, incentive payments, and 
education focus on priority areas and natural resource concerns 
identified in cooperation with State technical committees. The program 
uses 5- to 10-year contracts based on conservation plans, as well as a 
priority evaluation process to maximize environmental benefits per 
dollar expended. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the rulemaking 
process, establishes criteria for EQIP assistance, including determining 
standards for large livestock operations which will be ineligible for 
cost sharing to construct animal waste management facilities.

Conservation Farm Option  This pilot program for producers of wheat, 
feed grains, cotton, and rice is open to owners or operators of farms 
that have a production flexibility contract. Under the program, 
producers may receive one consolidated USDA program payment in lieu of a 
list of specified payments. The producers must implement a conservation 
plan that addresses soil, water, and related resources; water quality; 
wetlands; and wildlife habitat. Participation is voluntary and is based 
on a 10-year contract.

Farms-for-the-Future Program  This program guarantees USDA loans and 
subsidizes interest on State loans to purchase agricultural land or 
development rights to preserve vital farmland resources for future 
generations. The money also can be reinvested by the States to generate 
earnings for future farmland protection efforts.

For further information, contact the Management Services Division, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013. Phone, 202-690-4811.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Fourteenth Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250

Phone, 202-401-9129
Director                                          Philip H. Hudson
Deputy Director                                   Lynn Edwards
Program Director, Center for Applied Technology   Nat Hopkins
Program Director, Correspondence Study            Norma Harwood
Program Director, Evening and Saturday            Ronald MacNab
Program Director, Government Audit Training       Donald Smuland
        Institute
Program Director, International Institute for     Robert Brown
      Training and Education

[[Page 141]]

Director of Communications                        Terry Toomey
Director of Administration                        Robert Kies
Director, Career Development Programs             Lew Taylor
Director, Technology Enabled Learning             David Lamp
Director, National Independent Study Center       Mike Allen
Director, Midwest Training Center                 Cynthia Rudmann
Director, National Capital Training Center        Nancy Randa
Director, Northeast Training Center               Frank Bauer
Director, Southeast Training Center               David Hitt
Director, Southwest Training Center               Tony Gutierrez
Director, Western Training Center                 Maureen Hetzel
Registrar                                         Carolyn Nelson

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a continuing 
education school offering career-related training to adults. It is self-
supporting and does not receive direct appropriated funds from Congress 
or the Department of Agriculture. Fees charged individuals and 
Government agencies are nominal. Courses are planned with the assistance 
of Government professionals and specialists.
    The faculty is mostly part-time and is drawn from throughout 
Government and the community at large. They are selected because of 
their professional and specialized knowledge and experience and thus 
bring a practicality and experience to their classrooms. Faculty holding 
regular Government positions take annual leave or leave without pay when 
teaching during their normal work hours.
    The school does not grant degrees but does provide planned sequences 
of courses leading to certificates of accomplishment in a number of 
occupational and career fields important to government. Training areas 
include management, auditing, computer science, communications, foreign 
language, procurement, financial management, and others.
    The Graduate School's objective is to improve Government services by 
providing needed continuing education and training opportunities for 
Government employees and agencies.
    The Graduate School, administered by a Director and governed by a 
General Administration Board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, 
was established by the Secretary of Agriculture on September 2, 1921, 
pursuant to act of May 15, 1862 (7 U.S.C. 2201); joint resolution of 
April 12, 1892 (27 Stat. 395); and the Deficiencies Appropriation Act of 
March 3, 1901 (20 U.S.C. 91).
    In July 1995, through a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. 
Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Agriculture, the 
Graduate School acquired many of the training offices formerly operated 
by the Office of Personnel Management.

For further information, contact the Communications Office, Graduate 
School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 129, 600 Maryland Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone, 202-401-9129.

Sources of Information

Consumer Activities  Educational, organizational, and financial 
assistance is offered to consumers and their families in such fields as 
rural housing and farm operating programs, improved nutrition, family 
living and recreation, food stamp, school lunch, donated foods, and 
other food programs. Contact the Office of Public Affairs, Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.

[[Page 142]]

Contracts and Small Business Activities  Contact the Office of Small and 
Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7117.

Employment  Most jobs in the Department are in the competitive service 
and are filled by applicants who have established eligibility under an 
appropriate examination administered by the Office of Personnel 
Management or Department Special Examining Units.
    General employment inquiries should be directed to the agencies.
    Persons interested in employment in the Food and Consumer Service 
should contact the regional offices located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, 
Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and Robbinsville, NJ, or the national 
headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Phone, 703-305-2351.
    Persons interested in employment in the Office of the Inspector 
General should contact the USDA Office of Personnel, Room 31-W, Jamie L. 
Whitten Building, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-5781.
    In addition, all Forest Service field offices (addresses indicated 
in the preceding text) accept employment applications.

Environment  Educational, organizational, technical, and financial 
assistance is offered to local citizens, organizations, and communities 
in such fields as watershed protection, flood prevention, soil and water 
conservation practices to reduce erosion and sedimentation, community 
water and waste disposal systems, safe use of pesticides, and the 
development of pesticide alternatives.
    Contact the nearest county extension agent or USDA office, or write 
to the Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture, Washington, 
DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.

Films  Motion pictures on a variety of agricultural subjects are 
available for loan through various State Extension Service film 
libraries. Contact the Video, Teleconference, and Radio Center, Office 
of Communications, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, for 
a listing of cooperating film libraries. Phone, 202-720-6072.
    Color filmstrips and slide sets on a variety of subjects are 
available for purchase. For a listing of titles and prices, contact the 
Photography Center, Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-6633.

Whistleblower Hotline  Persons wishing to register complaints of alleged 
improprieties concerning the Department should contact one of the 
regional offices or the Inspector General's whistleblower hotline. 
Phone, 800-424-9121 (toll-free, outside Washington, DC); 202-690-1622 
(within the Washington, DC, metropolitan area); or 202-690-1202 (TDD).

Reading Rooms  Located at each USDA agency at addresses indicated in the 
preceding text.

Speakers  Contact the nearest Department of Agriculture office or county 
Extension agent. In the District of Columbia, contact the Office of 
Public Liaison, Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2798.

For further information concerning the Department of Agriculture, 
contact the Office of Communications, Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-2791.