[United States Government Manual]
[September 15, 2009]
[Pages 103-126]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



Departments

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250
Phone, 202-720-4623. Internet, www.usda.gov.
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE                          Tom Vilsack
Deputy Secretary                                  Kathleen Merrigan
Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign              James Miller
        Agricultural Services
Administrator, Farm Service Agency                Jonathan Coppess
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service       Michael Michner
Administrator, Risk Management Agency             William Murphy, Acting
Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and          Kevin Concannon
        Consumer Services
Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service         Julie Paradis
Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and         Robert Post, Acting
        Promotion
Under Secretary for Food Safety                   (vacancy)
Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection         Alfred V. Almanza
        Service
Under Secretary for Natural Resources and         (vacancy)
        Environment
Chief, Forest Service                             Abigail Kimbell
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service     David White, Acting
Under Secretary for Research, Education, and      (vacancy)
        Economics
Administrator, Agricultural Research Service      Edward B. Knipling
Administrator, Cooperative State Research,        Colien Hefferan
        Education, and Extension Service
Administrator, Economic Research Service          John Kort
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics   Cynthia Clark
        Service
Under Secretary for Rural Development             (vacancy)
Administrator, Rural Business and Cooperative     Judy Canales
        Programs
Administrator, Rural Housing and Community        (vacancy)
        Facilities Programs
Administrator, Rural Utilities Programs           (vacancy)
Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations   (vacancy)
Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory      (vacancy)
        Programs
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service     Rayne Pegg
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health            Kevin Shea, Acting
      Inspection Service
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Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers, and     J. Dudley Butler
        Stockyards Administration
Assistant Secretary for Administration            Pearlie Reed
Judicial Officer                                  William G. Jenson
Chief Judge, Administrative Law Judges            Marc Hillson
Director, Office of Ethics                        Raymond Sheehan
Director, Office of Human Capital Management      Jill M. Crumpacker
Director, Office of Management Services           Jeannette Chiari
Director, Office of Operations                    John Crew
Director, Office of Procurement and Property      Denise Hayes, Acting
        Management
Director, Office of Security Services             Mary Bale, Acting
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged       (vacancy)
        Business Utilization
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights              Joe Leonard
Director, Conflict Resolution and Prevention      Sheila Walcott, Acting
        Center
Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance   Michael G. Watts
Director, Office of Outreach and Diversity        Carl-Martin Ruiz
Chief Information Officer                         Chris Smith, Acting
Chief Financial Officer                           Jon Holladay, Acting
General Counsel                                   J. Michael Kelly, 
                                                          Acting
Inspector General                                 Phyllis K. Fong
Director, Office of Communications                Chris Mather
Chief Economist                                   Joseph Glauber
Director, Office of Risk Assessment and Cost-     James Schaub
        Benefit Analysis
Chairman, World Agricultural Outlook Board        Gerald Bange
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   Scott Steele
Director, Office of the Executive Secretariat     Bruce Bundick

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

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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 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. 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.


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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T217558.012


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Rural Development

USDA's rural development mission is to assist rural Americans to 
increase their economic opportunities and improve their quality of life. 
To accomplish this, USDA works to foster new cooperative relationships 
among Government, industry, and communities. As a capital investment 
bank, USDA provides financing for rural housing and community 
facilities, business and cooperative development, telephone and high-
speed Internet access, electric, water, and sewer infrastructure. 
Approximately 800 rural development field offices, staffed by 7,000 
employees, provide frontline delivery of rural development loan and 
grant programs at the local level.

Rural Business-Cooperative Programs

To meet business credit needs in underserved areas, USDA rural 
development business programs are usually leveraged with commercial, 
cooperative, or other private sector lenders. USDA's business programs 
are as follows:

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 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.

Renewable Energy and Efficiency Loans and Grants  This program 
encourages agricultural producers and small rural businesses to create 
renewable and energy-efficient systems.

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, and encourage the development of value-added ventures.

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 Program  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

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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. A 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 USDA 
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 and business development, 
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 
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.

For further information, contact the Rural Development, Legislative and 
Public Affairs Staff, Stop 0705, Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-4323.

Rural Housing Programs

Rural Development 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. It also 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 SFH 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 for owner-occupants 
to remove health and safety hazards from a home;

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    --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' mortgages;
    --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 the Rural Development, Legislative and 
Public Affairs Staff, Stop 0705, Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0320. Phone, 202-720-4323.

Rural Utilities Programs

Rural Development helps finance 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 received 
financial assistance. It also provides assistance through 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 loans and grants to 
improve telecommunications service and high-speed Internet access 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 technical assistance to rural water

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systems to solve operational, financial, and management challenges.
    --The distance learning and telemedicine program provides financing 
to help rural schools and health care providers purchase or improve 
telecommunications facilities and equipment to bring educational and 
medical resources to rural areas that otherwise might be unavailable.
    --Rural Development also guarantees loans from the Department of the 
Treasury's Federal Financing Bank (FFB), which lends to borrowers, 
primarily for large-scale electric and telecommunication facilities. It 
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, 202-720-4323.

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, shipments, prices, location, quality, condition, 
and other market data on farm products in specific markets and marketing 
areas. The data is disseminated nationally via the Internet and other 
electronic means and is shared with several countries. The Service also 
assists other countries in developing their own marketing information 
systems.
Standardization, Grading, and Classing  Nearly 600 grade standards have 
been established for some 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 commodity 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 is also responsible for testing 
seed.
Laboratory Testing  The Service provides microbiological, chemical, and 
other scientific laboratory support to its commodity and food 
procurement programs, testing peanuts for aflatoxin, and testing seeds 
for germination and purity. The Agency also carries out quality 
assurance and safety oversight activities for its milk market 
laboratories, 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 pesticides residue. It shares residue test results with 
the Environmental Protection Agency and other public agencies.

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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  The Service administers marketing 
agreements and orders 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 promote product quality control and 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 the orderly 
marketing of commodities facilitated by these programs, the interests of 
both producers and consumers are protected.
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 different 
varieties for a period of 20 years for nonwoody 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 and processors 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, blueberries, avocados, 
peanuts, and popcorn.
Transportation Programs  The Service is also responsible for the 
promotion 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; for increasing marketing efficiency 
by developing improved operating methods and facilities; and for 
certifying equipment for processing, handling, and distributing dairy, 
poultry, and meat products.

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Pesticide Recordkeeping Program  The Agricultural Marketing Service 
manages the Pesticide Recordkeeping Program in coordination with State 
agencies, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and the 
Environmental Protection Agency. The Service has developed educational 
programs and works with State agencies in inspecting applicator records.

For further information, contact the Public Affairs Staff, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Room 3510, South 
Agriculture Building, Stop 0273, Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-720-
8998 or visit the Web site at www.ams.usda.gov.

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 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 
depredation caused by birds, rodents, and predators.
Biotechnology Regulatory Services   Biotechnology regulatory officials 
are responsible for regulating the importation, movement, and field 
release of genetically engineered plants, insects, microorganisms, and 
any other known organism or potential plant pest.
    Biotechnology regulations are designed to ensure that genetically 
engineered organisms, such as herbicide-tolerant cotton or virus-
resistant papayas, are just as safe for agriculture and the environment 
as traditionally bred crop varieties. In regulating biotechnology, the 
Service works in concert with the Environmental Protection Agency and 
the Food and Drug Administration, agencies that also play important 
roles in protecting agriculture, a safe food supply, and the 
environment. Its involvement begins when a person or organization wishes 
to import, move across a State line, or field-test a genetically 
engineered plant. These activities are subject to the Service's 
permitting and notification system.
Plant Protection and Quarantine   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.
    Plant protection 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 help protect 
agricultural production and natural resources from pests and diseases. 
The Service continues to take regulatory action on prohibited or 
restricted products.
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

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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; suppress serious nuisances and threats 
to public health and safety caused by birds, rodents, and other wildlife 
in urban and rural communities; and work with airport managers to reduce 
risks of bird strikes. In addition, they conduct research into predator-
prey relationships, new control methods, and more efficient and safe 
uses of present methods such as toxicants, repellants and attractants, 
biological controls, scare devices, and habitat alteration.

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

Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration

The Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) was 
established in 1994 to facilitate the marketing of livestock, poultry, 
meat, cereals, oilseeds, and related agricultural products, and to 
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. The Packers and 
Stockyards Programs (P&SP) enforces the Packers and Stockyards Act of 
1921 (P&S Act), 7 U.S.C. 181 et seq., to promote fair and competitive 
marketing environments for the livestock, meat, and poultry industries. 
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 administering 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

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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-for-service 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-for-service basis, upon request.
Standardization  The Administration is responsible for establishing, 
maintaining, and revising official U.S. standards 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 to improve 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.
Packers and Stockyards Activities  The P&S Act prohibits unfair, 
deceptive, anti-competitive, and fraudulent practices by market 
agencies, dealers, packers, swine contractors, and live poultry dealers 
in those particular industries. The P&S Act protects producers and 
poultry growers by requiring most regulated entities to obtain bonds and 
meet strict payment requirements. To protect unpaid cash sellers of 
livestock, packers are subject to trust provisions which require that 
livestock and related investments or proceeds from meat, meat food 
products, or livestock products derived from them be held in trust for 
unpaid sellers until payment is made in full. A similar provision exists 
for live poultry dealers to protect growers. P&SP analyzes all trust and 
bond claims as a courtesy to the regulated industries. It is also 
responsible for the Truth-in-Lending Act and the Fair Credit Reporting 
Act as each relates to persons and firms subject to the P&S Act. P&SP 
carries out the Secretary's responsibilities under section 1324 of the 
Food Security Act of 1985 pertaining to State-established central filing 
systems to pre-notify buyers, commission merchants, and selling agents 
of security interests against farm products. GIPSA administers the 
section of the statute commonly referred to as the ``Clear Title'' 
provision, and certifies qualifying State systems.

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

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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.). FSIS is responsible for ensuring that the nation's 
commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, 
and correctly labeled and packaged.
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. FSIS provides for the inspection of each animal or 
bird at slaughter and processed products during various stages of 
production.
    FSIS inspects all raw meat and poultry sold in interstate and 
foreign commerce, including imported products. It monitors meat and 
poultry products after they leave federally inspected plants. FSIS tests 
samples of egg products and meat and poultry products for microbial and 
chemical contaminants to monitor trends for enforcement purposes.
    FSIS provides inspection at Federal facilities for meat, poultry, 
and egg products, as well as voluntary inspection for animals not 
covered under mandatory inspection regulations such as buffalo, rabbit, 
and deer. It 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. FSIS also monitors state inspection programs which inspect 
meat and poultry products sold only within the state in which they were 
produced.
    FSIS maintains a toll-free meat and poultry hotline (phone, 888-674-
6854, TTY, 800-256-7072) to answer questions in English and Spanish 
about the safe handling of meat, poultry, and egg products. The 
hotline's hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
eastern time, year-round. An extensive selection of food safety 
messages, in English and Spanish, is also available at the same number 
24 hours a day.
    ``Ask Karen'' is a Web-based virtual representative tool that 
provides answers to consumer questions about food safety. ``Ask Karen'' 
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at www.askkaren.gov.

For further information, contact the Director, Food Safety Education 
Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, 
Beltsville, Maryland 20705. Phone, 301-344-4755. Fax, 301-504-0203. 
Internet, www.fsis.usda.gov. Email, MPH[email protected].

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

The mission of 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.

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 nutritious diet, to improve the 
eating habits of the Nation's children, and to help America's farmers by

[[Page 115]]

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-age 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-age 
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.
    --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

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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, disaster, and 
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  FSA manages commodity programs such as the 
direct and countercyclical program, commodity and livestock disaster 
programs, marketing assistance loan programs, noninsured crop disaster 
assistance programs, and the tobacco transition payment program. It 
administers commodity loan programs for wheat, rice, corn, grain 
sorghum, barley, oats, oilseeds, 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. 
CCC provides short-term loans using the commodity as collateral. These 
loans provide farmers with interim financing and facilitate orderly 
marketing of farm commodities throughout the year.
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)  NAP provides 
catastrophic crop loss protection for crops not covered by Federal crop 
insurance. 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  There are FSA programs to assist farmers who 
encounter natural disasters from drought, flood, freeze, tornadoes, and 
other natural calamities. Eligible producers can be compensated for crop 
losses, livestock feed losses, and tree damage, and for the cost of 
rehabilitating eligible farmlands damaged by natural disaster. Low-
interest loans for eligible farmers can help cover production and 
physical losses in counties declared disaster areas.
    The largest component of USDA disaster assistance is the Crop 
Disaster

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Program (CDP), which has provided more than $3 billion in financial 
relief to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other agricultural producers 
who incurred losses because of recent adverse weather conditions.
Conservation Programs  FSA's conservation programs include enhancement 
of 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, improves air quality, increases wildlife habitat, 
and protects 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  FSA's commodity operations system facilitates the 
storage, management, and disposition of commodities used to meet 
humanitarian needs abroad. It administers the United States Warehouse 
Act (USWA), which authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to license 
warehouse operators who store agricultural products. Warehouse operators 
that apply must meet the USDA standards established within the USWA and 
its regulations. Under the milk price support program, the Commodity 
Credit Corporation 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 surplus commodities are used for hunger relief both domestically 
and internationally. FSA's commodity operations system also coordinates 
with other Government agencies to provide surplus commodities for 
various programs and also purchases commodities for the National School 
Lunch Program and other domestic feeding programs.

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 (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.
    CCC 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, CCC 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), via the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation (FCIC), oversees and administers the crop insurance program 
under the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
    Crop insurance is offered to qualifying producers through 16 private 
sector crop insurance companies. Under the new Standard Reinsurance 
Agreement (SRA), RMA provides reinsurance, pays premium subsidies, 
reimburses insurers for administrative and operating costs and oversees 
the financial integrity and operational performance of the delivery 
system. RMA bears much of the noncommercial insurance risk under the 
SRA, allowing insurers to retain commercial insurance risks or reinsure 
those risks in the private market.

[[Page 118]]

    In 2006, the Federal crop insurance program is expected to provide 
producers with more than $44 billion in protection on approximately 246 
million acres through about 1.2 million policies. There are 22 insurance 
plans available and 26 active pilot programs in various stages of 
development.
    RMA is also working closely with the private sector to find new and 
innovative ways to provide expanded coverage. This includes risk 
protection for specialty crops, livestock and forage, and rangeland and 
pasture. Thus, RMA is able to reduce the need for ad hoc disaster bills 
and available coverage caused by long-term production declines that 
result from extended drought in many areas.
    Additional information about RMA can be found on its Web site 
(www.rma.usda.gov), including agency news, State profiles, publications, 
announcements on current issues, summaries of insurance sales, pilot 
programs, downloadable crop policies, and agency-sponsored events. The 
site also features online tools, calculators, and applications.

For further information, contact the Office of the Administrator, Risk 
Management Agency, Department of Agriculture, Stop 0801, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250. Phone, 202-690-2803. 
Internet, www.rma.usda.gov.

Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) works to improve foreign market 
access for U.S. products, to build new markets, to improve the 
competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and 
to provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.
    FAS has the primary responsibility for USDA's activities in the 
areas of international marketing, trade agreements and negotiations, and 
the collection and analysis of international statistics and market 
information. It also administers the USDA's export credit guarantee and 
food aid programs. FAS helps increase income and food availability in 
developing nations by mobilizing expertise for agriculturally led 
economic growth.
    FAS also enhances U.S. agricultural competitiveness through a global 
network of agricultural economists, marketing experts, negotiators, and 
other specialists. FAS agricultural counselors, attaches, trade 
officers, and locally employed FAS staff stationed in over 90 countries 
support U.S. agricultural interests and cover 140 countries.
    In addition to agricultural affairs offices in U.S. embassies, 
agricultural trade offices also have been established in a number of key 
foreign markets and function as service centers for U.S. exporters and 
foreign buyers seeking market information.
    Reports prepared by our overseas offices cover changes in policies 
and other developments that could affect U.S. agricultural exports. FAS 
staff in U.S. embassies around the world assess U.S. export marketing 
opportunities and respond to the daily informational needs of those who 
develop, initiate, monitor, and evaluate U.S. food and agricultural 
policies and programs.
    In addition to data collection, FAS also maintains a worldwide 
agricultural reporting system based on information from U.S. 
agricultural traders, remote sensing systems, and other sources. 
Analysts in Washington, DC, prepare production forecasts, assess export 
marketing opportunities, and track changes in policies affecting U.S. 
agricultural exports and imports.
    FAS programs help U.S. exporters develop and maintain markets for 
hundreds of food and agricultural products, from bulk commodities to 
brand name items. Formal market promotion activities are carried out 
chiefly in cooperation with agricultural trade associations, State-
regional trade groups, small businesses, and cooperatives that plan, 
manage, and contribute staff resources and funds to support these 
efforts. FAS also provides guidance to help exporters locate buyers and 
provides assistance through a variety of other methods. This includes 
supporting U.S. participation in several major trade shows and a number 
of single-industry exhibitions each year.

[[Page 119]]

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, http://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 (ARS) 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 the U.S. Virgin Islands) and 5 overseas 
locations. Much of this research is conducted in cooperation with 
partners in State universities and experiment stations, other Federal 
agencies, and private organizations. National Programs, 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.
    ARS also includes the National Agricultural Library (NAL), which is 
the primary resource in the United States for information about food, 
agriculture, and natural resources, and serves as an electronic gateway 
to a widening array of scientific literature, printed text, and 
agricultural images. NAL serves USDA and a broad customer base including 
policymakers, agricultural specialists, research scientists, and the 
general public. NAL works with other agricultural libraries and 
institutions to advance open and democratic access to information about 
agriculture and the Nation's agricultural knowledge.

For further information, contact the Agricultural Research Service, 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250. Phone, 202-720-3656. Fax, 202-720-5427 Internet, 
www.ars.usda.gov.

Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service

The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 
(CSREES) 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 advances 
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.
    CSREES's 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, consumers, families, and 
community leaders to improve social conditions in the United States and 
around the world. These conditions

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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.
    CSREES provides research, extension, and education leadership 
through programs in plant and animal systems; natural resources and 
environment; economic and community systems; families, 4-H, and 
nutrition; competitive research and integrated research, education, and 
extension programs and awards management; science and education 
resources development; and information systems and technology 
management.
    CSREES's partnership with the land-grant universities is critical to 
the effective shared planning, delivery, and accountability for 
research, higher education, and extension programs.

For further information, contact the Communications Staff, Cooperative 
State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-2207. 
Phone, 202-720-4651. Fax, 202-690-0289. Email, [email protected]. 
Internet, www.csrees.usda.gov.

Economic Research Service

The mission of the Economic Research Service (ERS) is to inform and 
enhance public and private decisionmaking on economic and policy issues 
related to agriculture, food, the environment, and rural development.
    Activities to support this mission and the following goals involve 
research and development of economic and statistical indicators on a 
broad range of topics including, but not limited to, global agricultural 
market conditions, trade restrictions, agribusiness concentration, farm 
and retail food prices, foodborne illnesses, food labeling, nutrition, 
food assistance programs, worker safety, agrichemical usage, livestock 
waste management, conservation, sustainability, genetic diversity, 
technology transfer, rural infrastructure, and rural employment. 
Research results and economic indicators on such important agricultural, 
food, natural resource, and rural issues are fully disseminated to 
public and private decisionmakers through published and electronic 
reports and articles; special staff analyses, briefings, presentations, 
and papers; databases; and individual contacts. Through such activities, 
ERS provides public and private decisionmakers with economic and related 
social science information and analysis in support of the Department's 
goals of enhancing economic opportunities for agricultural producers; 
supporting economic opportunities and quality of life in rural America; 
enhancing the protection and safety of U.S. agriculture and food; 
improving U.S. nutrition and health; and enhancing the natural resource 
base and environment. More information on ERS's program is contained on 
the ERS Web site (www.ers.usda.gov).

For further information, contact the Information Services Division, 
Economic 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,

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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. 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 aquacultures, irrigation, and horticultural 
specialties.
    The Service performs reimbursable survey work and statistical 
consulting services for other Federal and State agencies and provides 
technical assistance for developing agricultural data systems in other 
countries.

For further information, contact the Executive Assistant to the 
Administrator, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-2000. Phone, 202-720-2707. 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

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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 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

[[Page 123]]

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

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  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 the program, 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,

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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 businesses, and seed and nursery associations.
Resource Conservation and Development Program  This 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.
Watershed Surveys 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 management assistance. 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.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives 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

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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.

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

Graduate School

600 Maryland Avenue SW., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20024-2520

Phone, 888-744-4723
Executive Director                                Jerry Ice
Deputy Executive Director                         Lynn Edwards

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

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, Room 270, 600 Maryland Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20024. Phone, 
888-744-4723.

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.
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 
information is available at www.usajobs.opm.gov.
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

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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, 202-720-4623. Internet, www.usda.gov.