USDA restructuring research organization as part of reorganization

USDA has restructured its Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area as part of ongoing reorganization efforts.

The changes aim to streamline operations, strengthen leadership and position resources closer to the agricultural communities the organization serves, according to USDA.  

REE agencies will relocate certain positions currently based in the National Capital Region (NCR) to locations across the country. Some economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) employees will relocate from NCR to offices in Kansas City, Missouri.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will relocate some positions to St. Louis or other NASS offices. NASS will also maintain a field presence to continue to collect information and provide statistical services to American farmers and ranchers.

In addition, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will begin decommissioning the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland and relocating research programs to facilities across the country aligned with regional agricultural needs. ARS is identifying locations best suited to absorb ongoing research, according to USDA.

The Office of the Chief Scientist will continue to provide scientific leadership across USDA while upholding the research integrity standards and advancing critical priorities. REE’s Business Center will expand its role in supporting mission-critical operations, streamlining administrative functions and improving efficiency across agencies.

“This reorganization ensures our research, data and innovation efforts are focused where they matter most: delivering real results for the men and women who feed, fuel and clothe this country,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “By streamlining operations and moving resources closer to the ground, we are making USDA more responsive, more efficient, and better equipped to support American agriculture.”