By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened a 30-day public comment period to gather feedback on its reorganization proposal. The plan, announced in a memorandum on July 24, 2025, is part of efforts to modernize the department.
“As committed, we are continuing to hear stakeholder feedback on the USDA Reorganization. All stakeholders – including Capitol Hill offices, USDA employees, and members of the agricultural community – are encouraged to share their input during the open comment period. We value your perspective as we work to ensure that USDA is best positioned to serve America’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and rural communities,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The proposal follows President Trump’s call to relocate parts of the federal government outside the National Capital Region. "President Trump made clear his second term would include relocating the sprawling federal bureaucracy to locations outside the National Capital Region," said Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden. "The department's July 24 memorandum begins to deliver on this promise and does so in a way that right-sizes the USDA footprint, eliminates unnecessary management layers, consolidates redundant or duplicative functions, and, most importantly, allows USDA to deliver on its mission to the American people within the bounds of its available financial resources."
Under the reorganization, USDA will close its South Building in Washington, D.C. and move approximately 2,600 positions to five regional hubs: Raleigh, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Authorized by the Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953 and the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the plan emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and stronger connections to agricultural regions.
The comment period provides farmers, ranchers, industry leaders, and policymakers the chance to shape the department’s future direction, ensuring USDA remains responsive to the needs of rural America.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National