    [United States Government Manual]
    [June 15, 2003]
    [Pages 103-126]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE\*\

    1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250

    Phone, 202-720-2791. Internet, www.usda.gov.
    SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE                          Ann M. Veneman
    Deputy Secretary                                  James Moseley
    Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign              J.B. Penn
            Agricultural Services
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Thomas Hunt Shipman
        Administrator, Farm Service Agency            James Little
        Administrator, Foreign Agricultural           Ellen Terpstra
                Service
        Administrator, Risk Management                Ross J. Davidson, Jr.
                Agency
    Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and          Eric M. Bost
            Consumer Services
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Suzanne Biermann
        Administrator, Food and Nutrition             Roberto Salazar
                Service
        Executive Director, Center for                Steve Christensen,
                Nutrition Policy and                          Acting
                Promotion
    Under Secretary for Food Safety                   Elsa A. Murano
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Merle D. Pierson
        Administrator, Food Safety and                Garry McKee
                Inspection Service
    Under Secretary for Natural Resources and         Mark E. Rey
            Environment
        Deputy Under Secretary for Forestry           Dave Tenny
        Deputy Under Secretary for                    Mack Gray
                Conservation
        Chief, Forest Service                         Dale Bosworth
        Chief, Natural Resources                      Bruce Knight
                Conservation Service
    Under Secretary for Research, Education, and      Joseph J. Jen
            Economics
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Rodney J. Brown
        Administrator, Agricultural Research          Edward B. Knipling,
                Service                                       Acting
        Administrator, Cooperative State              Colien Hefferan
                Research, Education, and
                Extension Service
        Administrator, Economic Research              Susan E. Offutt
                Service
        Administrator, National Agricultural          Ron Bosecker
                Statistics Service
    Under Secretary for Rural Development             Thomas C. Dorr
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Gilbert Gonzalez

    [[Page 104]]

        Administrator, Rural Business-                John Rosso
                Cooperative Service
        Administrator, Rural Housing Service          Arthur A. Garcia
        Administrator, Rural Utilities                Hilda Gay Legg
                Service
    Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations   Mary Waters
        Deputy Assistant Secretary                    Wanda Worsham
    Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory      William T. Hawks
            Programs
        Deputy Under Secretary                        Chuck Lambert
        Administrator, Agricultural                   A.J. Yates
                Marketing Service
        Administrator, Animal and Plant               Bobby R. Acord
                Health Inspection Service
        Administrator, Grain Inspection,              Donna Reifschneide
                Packers, and Stockyards
                Administration
    Assistant Secretary for Administration            Lou Gallegos
        Deputy Assistant Secretary                    John Surina
        Chairman, Board of Contract Appeals           Howard A. Pollack,
                                                              Acting
        Judicial Officer                              William G. Jenson
        Chief Judge, Administrative Law               James Hunt
                Judges
        Director, Office of Civil Rights              David Winningham
        Director, Office of Ethics                    Raymond Sheehan
        Director, Office of Human Resources           Ruthie F. Jackson
                Management
        Director, Office of Operations                Priscilla Carey
        Director, Office of Outreach                  James House, Acting
        Director, Office of Procurement and           W.R. Ashworth
                Property Management
        Director, Office of Small and                 James House
                Disadvantaged Business
                Utilization
    Chief Information Officer                         Scott Charbo
        Deputy Chief Information Officer              Ira L. Hobbs
    Chief Financial Officer                           Ted McPherson
        Deputy Chief Financial Officer                Patricia Healy
    General Counsel                                   Nancy S. Bryson
        Deputy General Counsel                        J. Michael Kelly
    Inspector General                                 Phyllis Fong
        Deputy Inspector General                      Joyce N. Fleischman
    Director, Office of Communications                Kevin Herglotz
    Chief Economist                                   Keith Collins
        Deputy Chief Economist                        Joseph Glauber
        Director, Office of Risk Assessment           James Schaub, Acting
                and Cost-Benefit Analysis
        Chairman, World Agricultural Outlook          Gerald Bange
                Board
    Director, Global Change Program Office            William Hohenstein
    Director, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses    Roger Conway
    Director, National Appeals Division               Roger J. Klurfeld
    Director, Office of Budget and Program Analysis   Stephen B. Dewhurst
    Director, Office of the Executive Secretariat     Bruce Bundick

    [[Page 105]]

    Director, Sustainable Development and Small       Adela Backiel
            Farms

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

        \*\[Editorial Note: Department omitted organizational chart.]

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

    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).
        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 the Chief Information
    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 850 rural development field
    offices provide frontline delivery of all rural development loan and
    grant programs at the local level.

    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 sustainable
    cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace. To meet
    business credit needs in underserved 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. Loan proceeds may be used for working capital, machinery and
    equipment, buildings and real estate, and certain types of debt
    refinancing.
    Business Enterprise  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. 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

    [[Page 106]]

    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.
    Business Opportunities  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.
    Cooperative Development  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.
    Cooperative Opportunities and Problems Research  This program encourages
    research, funded through cooperative agreements, on critical issues
    vital to the development and sustainability of agricultural and other
    rural cooperatives as a means of improving the quality of life in
    America's rural communities.
    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.
    Economic Development  These loans and grants finance economic
    development and job creation projects based on sound economic plans in
    rural areas. Loans and grants are available to any eligible 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 finance business startup ventures and
    business expansion projects. Grants are made to eligible 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 business or 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.
    Intermediary Relending  These loans finance business facilities and
    community development projects in rural areas. The Service lends these
    funds to intermediaries, which in turn provide loans to recipients who
    are developing business facilities or community development projects.
    Sheep Industry  The National Sheep Industry Improvement 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.
    Technology Transfer  This program provides information to farmers and

    [[Page 107]]

    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).

    For further information, contact Rural Development, Legislative and
    Public Affairs Staff, Stop 0705, Department of Agriculture, 1400
    Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-6903.

    Rural Housing Service

    The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides affordable rental housing,
    homeownership opportunities, and essential community facilities to rural
    Americans through a broad array of direct loan, guarantee, and grant
    programs. Rural residents and communities may inquire about any of these
    programs through local and State rural development offices. The Service
    provides financial and management assistance through the following
    services:
        --guaranteed single-family housing (SFH) loans which guarantee loans
    made by commercial lenders to moderate-income rural residents with
    sufficient income and acceptable credit, who may lack the downpayment to
    secure a loan without assistance;
        --direct single-family housing loans made available to people with
    incomes less than 80 percent of area median to build, purchase, and
    repair rural homes;
        --home improvement and repair loans and grants are available to
    owner-occupants to remove health and safety hazards from a home;
        --mutual self-help housing technical assistance grants for nonprofit
    organizations and public bodies to help groups of six to eight very low-
    and low-income families to build their own homes by providing ``sweat
    equity'' which reduces the families' mortgage;
        --rural housing site loans for private or public nonprofit
    organizations to purchase sites for the development of housing for very
    low- and low-income families;
        --direct and guaranteed multi-family housing loans for private
    nonprofit corporations, consumer cooperatives, State or local public
    agencies, and individuals or organizations operating on a nonprofit or
    limited profit basis to provide rental or cooperative housing in rural
    areas for persons of very low, low, and moderate income;
        --farm labor housing loans and grants enabling farmers, public or
    private nonprofit organizations, or units of local government to build,
    buy, or rehabilitate farm labor housing;
        --housing preservation grants 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;
        --housing for the homeless, SFH real-estate-owned (REO) property to
    nonprofit organizations or public bodies for transitional housing for
    the homeless and to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to house
    families affected by natural disasters; and
        --community program loans, direct and guaranteed loans and grants
    for public and quasi-public bodies, nonprofit associations, and Indian
    tribes for essential community facilities such as health care centers,
    public safety buildings and vehicles, and child care centers.

    For further information, contact Rural Development, Legislative and
    Public Affairs Staff, Stop 0705, Department of Agriculture, 1400
    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 telecommunications 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 800 rural telecommunications
    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

    [[Page 108]]

    received financial assistance. Approximately 7,200 rural communities are
    currently served through financial assistance received from water and
    waste loans and grants. RUS provides assistance by use of the following
    programs:
        --The electric program provides loans for improving electric service
    to persons in rural areas, including construction of electric generating
    plants and transmission and distribution lines to provide reliable
    electric service.
        --The telecommunications program provides telephone service in rural
    areas.
        --The water and waste direct and guaranteed loan program provides
    assistance to develop water and wastewater systems, including solid
    waste disposal and storm drainage, in rural areas, cities, and towns.
        --Water and waste disposal grants assist in reducing water and waste
    disposal costs to a reasonable level for users of the system.
        --Emergency community water assistance grants provide assistance to
    rural communities experiencing a significant decline in quantity or
    quality of drinking water.
        --Technical assistance and training grants are available to
    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.
        --Solid waste management grants are available for nonprofit
    organizations and public bodies to provide technical assistance and
    training to rural areas and towns to reduce or eliminate pollution of
    water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste
    facilities.
        --The rural water circuit rider technical assistance program
    provides, through the National Rural Water Association, technical
    assistance to rural water systems to solve operational, financial, and
    management problems.
        --The distance learning and telemedicine program provides assistance
    to help rural schools and health care providers invest in
    telecommunications facilities and equipment to bring to rural areas
    educational and medical resources that otherwise might be unavailable.
        --The Service also guarantees loans from the Department of the
    Treasury's Federal Financing Bank (FFB), which it lends to borrowers,
    primarily for large-scale electric and telecommunication facilities. RUS
    may also guarantee electric and telecommunications loans from private
    sources.

    For further information, contact the Rural Development Legislative and
    Public Affairs Staff, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0705, 1400
    Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-1255.

    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, certification, market
    news, marketing orders, research and promotion, and regulatory programs.
    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

    [[Page 109]]

    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 about 230 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 33 agricultural
    commodities 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.
    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. The Service provides voluntary laboratory analyses of
    egg products, and monitors the disposition of restricted shell eggs--
    eggs that are a potential health hazard.
    Marketing Agreements and Orders  These programs 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.
    Plant Variety Protection Program  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

    [[Page 110]]

    different varieties for a period of 20 years for non-woody plants and 25
    years for woody plants.
    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, honey,
    watermelon, mushrooms, soybeans, and popcorn.
    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.
    Organic Standards  The Service, with the assistance of the National
    Organic Standards Board, develops 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 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.

    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 (PPQ)  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.

    [[Page 111]]

        PPQ officials develop Federal regulations and policies 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. These regulations and policies, in conjunction with
    inspections conducted by the Department of Homeland Security's Customs
    and Border Protection (CBP) help protect agricultural production and
    natural resources from pests and diseases. CBP maintains inspection
    services at all major sea, air, and land border ports of entry into the
    United States; PPQ continues to be present at many of these locations to
    take regulatory action on prohibited or restricted products that are
    found.
    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
    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 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.
    Wildlife Services  Wildlife services 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.

    [[Page 112]]

    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) was
    established in 1994 to facilitate the marketing of livestock, poultry,
    meat, cereals, oilseeds, and related agricultural products and promote
    fair and competitive trading practices for the overall benefit of
    consumers and American agriculture. The agency's mission is carried out
    in two different segments of American agriculture: the Federal Grain
    Inspection Service provides the U.S. grain market with Federal quality
    standards and a uniform system for applying them, and the Packers and
    Stockyards Programs ensures open and competitive markets for livestock,
    meat, and poultry. GIPSA also certifies State central filing systems for
    notification of liens against farm products. GIPSA is responsible for
    establishing official U.S. standards for grain and other assigned
    commodities, and for administrating a nationwide official inspection and
    weighing system.
    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.
    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.
    Standardization  The Administration is responsible for establishing,
    maintaining, and 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. 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.
    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

    [[Page 113]]

    business practices in the marketing of meats and poultry and against
    restrictions of competition that could unduly affect meat and poultry
    prices.

    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.).
    Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection  Federal meat and poultry
    inspection is mandatory for cattle, calves, swine, goats, sheep, lambs,
    horses (and other equines), chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, and guineas
    used for human food. The work includes inspection of each animal or bird
    at slaughter, and inspection of processed products during various stages
    of production. 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.
        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 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; conducts voluntary reimbursed inspection for rabbits, other
    domestic food animals, bison, other exotic food animals, ratites, and
    certain egg products not covered by the inspection law; 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.
        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. Internet, www.usda.gov/agency/fsis/homepage.htm.

    Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

    The mission of the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services is to reduce
    hunger and food insecurity, in partnership with cooperating
    organizations, by providing access to food, a healthful diet, and
    nutrition education to children and needy people in a manner that
    supports American agriculture.

    [[Page 114]]

    Food and Nutrition Service

    The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the USDA food
    assistance programs. These programs, which serve one in six Americans,
    represent our Nation's commitment to the principle that no one in this
    country should fear hunger or experience want. They provide a Federal
    safety net to people in need. The goals of the programs are to provide
    needy persons with access to a more nutritions diet, to improve the
    eating habits of the Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by
    providing an outlet for distributing foods purchased under farmer
    assistance authorities.
        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 FNS provides commodities and funding for additional food and to
    cover administrative costs. FNS 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 retail stores approved by the Food and Nutrition Service to
    accept and redeem the benefits.
        --The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
    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. WIC participants
    receive coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized
    farmers.
        --The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides a 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. More than half of 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 free or
    low cost breakfasts that meet established nutritional standards.
        --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 in lieu of food stamps.
    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.

    [[Page 115]]

        --The Nutrition Assistance Programs for Puerto Rico and the Northern
    Marianas are block grant programs that replace the Food Stamp Programs
    in these two territories and provide cash and coupons to resident
    participants.
        --The Nutrition Education and Training Program grants funds to
    States for the development and dissemination of nutrition information
    and materials to children and for training of food service and teaching
    personnel.

    For further information, contact the Public Information Officer, Food
    and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, Alexandria, VA 22302.
    Phone, 703-305-2286. Internet, www.usda.gov/fns.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 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,
    www.cnpp.usda.gov.

    Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services

    Farm Service Agency

    The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers farm commodity, crop
    insurance, and resource conservation programs for farmers and ranchers,
    and makes and guarantees farm emergency, ownership, and operating loans
    through a network of State and county offices.
    Farm Commodity Programs  The Agency manages programs for conservation
    efforts through commodity programs such as production flexibility
    contracts, commodity and livestock disaster programs, marketing
    assistance loan programs, noninsured crop disaster assistance programs,
    and tobacco and peanut programs. It administers commodity loan programs
    for wheat, rice, corn, grain sorghum, barley, oats, oilseeds, tobacco,
    peanuts, upland and extra-long-staple cotton, and sugar. FSA provides
    operating personnel for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), A
    Government-owned and -operated organization providing short-term loans
    using the commodity as collateral, providing farmers with interim
    financing and orderly distribution of farm commodities throughout the
    year and in times of surplus and scarcity.
    Farm Loan Programs  FSA makes and guarantees loans to family farmers and
    ranchers to purchase farmland and finance agricultural production. These
    programs help farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain private
    commercial credit. These may be beginning farmers who have insufficient
    net worth to qualify for commercial credit, who have suffered financial
    setbacks from natural disasters, or who have limited resources with
    which to establish and maintain profitable farming operations.
    Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)  For crops for which
    Federal crop insurance is not available, NAP provides crop loss
    protection. Crops that are eligible include commercial crops grown for
    food and fiber, floriculture, ornamental nursery products, Christmas
    tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed crops, aquaculture (including ornamental
    fish such as goldfish), and industrial crops. Losses resulting from
    natural disasters not covered by the crop insurance policy may also be
    eligible for NAP assistance. NAP does not include trees grown for wood,
    paper, or pulp products.
    Other Emergency Assistance  In the aftermath of a natural disaster, FSA
    makes available a variety of emergency assistance programs to farmers in

    [[Page 116]]

    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.
    Conservation Programs  Conservation programs of FSA include preservation
    of farmland, wildlife habitat, and water and air quality. The
    Conservation Reserve Program is the Federal Government's single largest
    environmental improvement program on private lands. It safeguards
    millions of acres of topsoil from erosion improving air quality,
    increasing wildlife habitat, and protecting ground and surface water by
    reducing water runoff and sedimentation. 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.
    Commodity Operations  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 domestically and internationally. Commodity
    operations personnel also aid in the storage, management, and
    disposition of food security commodity reserve grain and food products
    used to meet humanitarian needs abroad and the disaster reserve used to
    meet emergency livestock feed needs domestically. CCC commodities are
    also used to supply the national school lunch and domestic and
    international food aid programs to help fight hunger worldwide.

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

    Commodity Credit Corporation

    The Commodity Credit Corporation was organized in 1933, and was managed
    and operated in close affiliation with the Reconstruction Finance
    Corporation until 1939, when it was transferred to the Department of
    Agriculture. CCC stabilizes, supports, and protects farm income and
    prices, assists in maintaining balanced and adequate supplies of
    agricultural commodities and their products, and facilitates the orderly
    distribution of commodities.
    Foreign Assistance  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. Agricultural commodities
    are supplied and exported to combat hunger and malnutrition and to
    encourage economic development in developing countries. In addition,
    under the Food for Progress Program, the Corporation supplies
    commodities to provide assistance to developing democracies.

    For further information, contact the Information Division, Foreign
    Agricultural Service, Department of Agriculture, Stop 1004, 1400
    Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-7115. Fax,
    202-720-1727.

    Risk Management Agency

    The Risk Management Agency (RMA) helps to stabilize the agricultural
    economy by providing a sound system of crop insurance. RMA administers
    the programs of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) and has
    oversight for other programs related to the risk management of U.S.
    crops and commodities. Generally, multiple peril crop insurance (MPCI)
    policies insure farmers and ranchers against unexpected production
    losses from natural causes, including drought, excessive moisture, hail,
    wind, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. Policies do not
    cover losses resulting from neglect, poor farming practices, or theft.
        RMA also reinsures several revenue-based plans of insurance.
    Generally, revenue insurance provides protection

    [[Page 117]]

    against loss of income due to low yields, prices, or both. One plan,
    crop revenue coverage, is widely available on corn, grain sorghum,
    cotton, soybeans, and wheat. Producers must purchase crop insurance by
    the sales closing date established for the crop they wish to insure.
    Policies are sold and serviced by private crop insurance agents and
    companies.
        For information about Federal crop insurance programs, contact the
    Research and Development Division, 9435 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO
    64131. Phone, 816-926-7394. Internet, act.fcic.usda.gov. For information
    about the Risk Management Education outreach initiative, contact the
    Risk Management Education Division, Risk Management Agency, Department
    of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250.
    Phone, 202-690-2957.

    For further information, contact the Office of the Administrator, Risk
    Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue
    SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-690-2803. Internet, www.usda.gov/
    rma.

    Foreign Agricultural Service

    The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has primary responsibility for
    USDA's 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 with staff
    posted in 130 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,
    maintain, and expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural
    products. It carries out programs with nonprofit commodity groups, trade
    associations, and State agriculture departments and their regional
    associations. It manages market opportunity referral services and
    organizes trade fairs and sales teams.
        The Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) and the Intermediate
    Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-103) provide guarantees on private
    financing of U.S. exports to foreign buyers purchasing on credit terms.
        The Supplier Credit Guarantee Program guarantees a portion of a
    payment due for purchase of U.S. agricultural products for import, for
    which the exporter has directly extended short-term financing.

    [[Page 118]]

        The Facility Guarantee Program facilitates the financing of U.S.-
    manufactured goods and services exported to emerging markets.
        The Emerging Markets Program promotes agricultural exports to
    emerging markets through sharing U.S. agricultural expertise by
    technical assistance.
        The Export Enhancement Program and the Dairy Export Incentive
    Program are export assistance programs designed to counter or offset the
    adverse effects from competitors' unfair trade practices on U.S.
    agriculture.
        The Market Access Program provides cost-share assistance to trade
    promotion organizations, cooperatives, and small businesses to help fund
    their market development activities overseas.
        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 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.

    For further information, contact the Public Affairs Division, Foreign
    Agricultural Service, Stop 1004, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
    Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1004. Phone, 202-720-
    7115. Fax, 202-720-1727. Internet, www.fas.usda.gov.

    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 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.
        Research activities are carried out at 103 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.

    [[Page 119]]

                                       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
    Mid South 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 61604
    National Agricultural Library                                    10301 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705
    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 19038
     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 30604-5677
    Southern Plains Area--AR, NM, OK, TX                             Suite 230, 7607 Eastmark Dr., College Station,
                                                                      TX 77840
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The National Agricultural Library (NAL) 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 databases is available for USDA
    scientists. Citations to the agricultural literature are stored in the
    agricultural online access (AGRICOLA) database, available through online
    computer systems and on compact disc (CD's). The Library also
    distributes in the United States the AGRIS database 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, Room 1-2250, 5601 Sunnyside
    Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705-5128. Phone, 301-504-1638. Fax, 301-504-
    1648.

    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 academic and land-grant institutions
    throughout the Nation. 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

    [[Page 120]]

    through programs in plant and animal systems; natural resources and
    environment; economic and community systems; families, 4-H, and
    nutrition; partnerships; competitive research grants and awards
    management; science and education resources development; and
    communications, technology, distance education, and special activities.
        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,
    CSREES@reeusda.gov. Internet, www.reeusda.gov.

    Economic Research Service

    The mission of the Economic Research Service 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, 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
    20036-5831. Phone, 202-694-5100. Fax, 202-694-5641.

    National Agricultural Statistics Service

    The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) prepares estimates
    and reports on production, supply, price, chemical use, 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.
        NASS is responsible for conducting the census of agriculture,
    formerly conducted by the Bureau of the Census. The census of
    agriculture is taken every 5 years and provides comprehensive data on
    the agricultural economy down to the county level. Periodic reports are
    also issued on irrigation and horticultural specialities.
        The Service performs reimbursable survey work and statistical
    consulting services for other Federal and State agencies and provides
    technical

    [[Page 121]]

    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, 202-720-2707. Fax, 202-
    720-9013.

    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 mission of the Forest Service is
    to achieve quality land management under the sustainable, multiple-use
    management concept to meet the diverse needs of people. It's objectives
    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.
        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

    [[Page 122]]

    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.
    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 forests
    and rangelands. The Service's forest research 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.
    Manpower 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.

    For further information, contact the Office of Communications, Forest
    Service, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC
    20090-6090. Phone, 202-205-8333.

                          Field Offices--Forest Service
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Region/Station/Area                        Address
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    National Forest System Regions--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
                           Research Stations--Director
    Forest Products Laboratory  1 Gifford Pinchot Dr., Madison, WI 53705
    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 28802
                   State and Private Forestry Areas--Director
    Northeastern                Suite 200, 100 Matson Ford Rd., P.O. Box
                                 6775, Radnor, PA 19087-4585
    International Institute of  UPR Experimental Station Grounds, Botanical
     Tropical Forestry           Garden, Call Box 25000, Rio Piedras, PR
                                 00928
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    [[Page 123]]

    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.
    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.
    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.
    Environmental Quality Incentive Program  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, including such areas as
    nutrient management, pest management, and grazing land management.
    Farmland Protection Program (FPP)  This 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.
    Forestry Incentives Program  This program helps to increase the Nation's
    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.
    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.
    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

    [[Page 124]]

    businesses, and seed and nursery associations.
    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 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.
    Small Watersheds Program  The 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 helps local community
    groups, government entities, and private landowners working together
    using an integrated, comprehensive watershed approach to natural
    resource planning.
    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 the Western States and Alaska.
    WatershedSurveys and Planning  This program assists Federal, State, and
    local agencies and tribal governments in protecting watersheds from
    damage caused by erosion, floodwater, and sediment and conserves and
    develops water and land resources. Resource concerns addressed by the
    program include water quality, water conservation, wetland and water
    storage capacity, agricultural drought problems, rural
    development,municipal and industrial water needs, upstream flood
    damages, and water needs for fish, wildlife,and forest-based industries.
    Types of surveys and plans include watershed plans, river basin surveys
    and studies, flood hazard analysis, and flood plain
    managementassistance. The focus of these plans is to identify solutions
    that use land treatment and nonstructural measures to solve resource
    problems.
    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.
    WildlifeHabitatIncentives Program  This program provides financial
    incentives to develop habitats for fish and wildlife on private lands.
    Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan, and
    USDA agrees to provide cost-share assistance for the initial
    implementation of wildlife habitat development practices. USDA and
    program participants enter into a cost-share agreement for wildlife
    habitat development, which generally lasts a minimum of 10 years from
    the date that the contract is signed.

    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.

    [[Page 125]]

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

    Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture

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

    Phone, 202-314-3300
    Director                                          Philip H. Hudson
    Deputy Director                                   Lynn Edwards
    Associate Director                                Robert Brown

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

    The Graduate School was established by act of May 15, 1862 (7 U.S.C.
    2201). It is a continuing education school offering career-related
    training to adults. Courses are planned with the assistance of
    Government professionals and specialists. The Graduate School's
    objective is to improve Government services by providing needed
    continuing education and training opportunities for Government employees
    and agencies.
        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.
        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.

    For further information, contact the Communications Office, Graduate
    School, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 160, 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.
    Contracts and Small Business Activities  To obtain information about
    contracting or subcontracting opportunities, attending small business
    outreach activities, or how to do business with USDA, contact the Office
    of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Phone, 202-720-7117.
    Internet, www.usda.gov/da/smallbus.html.
    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

    [[Page 126]]

    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).
    Fax, 202-690-2474.
    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. Internet, www.usda.gov.