U.S. Department of Agriculture - provides USDA's top stories and information on hot issues/special topics.

USDA Graduate School

USDA News & Information - provides news releases, speeches, and other information from USDA.

USDA Reports - a month-by-month, day-by-day list of market-moving USDA reports from the ERS, FAS, NASS and WAOB.

What's New at USDA- provides daily updates on developments at and information from USDA.

AGENCIES / OFFICES

Agricultural Marketing Service - mission to facilitate the strategic marketing of agricultural products in domestic and international markets ensuring fair trading practices and promoting a competitive and efficient marketplace to the benefit of producers and consumers.

Agricultural Research Service - the main in-house research arm of the USDA.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - provides leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants, improving agricultural productivity and competitiveness, and contributing to the national economy and the public health.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Programs - focal point within USDA where scientific research is linked with the nutritional needs of the American people.

Cooperative State Research, Education & Extension Service - has research and education information about many subjects.

Departmental Administration - USDA's central administrative management organization.

Economic Research Service - provides economic analysis on efficiency, efficacy, and equity issues related to agriculture, food, the environment and rural development to improve public and private decision-making.

Farm Service Agency - supports American farmers through commodity loan programs, farmer operating and emergency loans, conservation, domestic and overseas food assistance and disaster programs that improve the economic stability of agriculture and the environment.

Food and Nutrition Service - reduces hunger and food insecurity in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and needy families access to food, a healthful diet and nutrition education.

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service - ensures access to nutritious, healthful diets for all Americans.

Food Safety and Inspection Service - the public health agency in USDA responsible for ensuring the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome and correctly labeled and packaged.

Foreign Agricultural Service - an agency of USDA that represents the diverse interest of U.S. farmers and the food and agricultural sector abroad.

Forest Service - mission to achieve quality land management under the sustainable multiple-use management concept to meet the diverse needs of the people.

Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration - facilitates the marketing of livestock, poultry, meat, cereals, oilseeds and related agricultural products and promotes fair and competitive trading practices for the overall benefit of consumers and American agriculture.

National Agricultural Library - the nation's primary source of agricultural information.

National Agricultural Statistics Service - contains publications, graphics, historical data, state information, statistical research and more.

Natural Resources Conservation Service - works in partnership with the American people to conserve and sustain our natural resources.

Office of Budget & Program Analysis - major activities consist of coordinating the preparation of USDA's budget estimates, legislative reports and regulations (site contains 1997-2000 budget summaries).

USDA Office of Civil Rights - mission to facilitate the fair and equitable treatment of USDA customers and employees while ensuring the delivery and enforcement of civil rights programs and activities.

Office of Operations - responsible for providing procurement and facilities management services.

Office of the Chief Economist - advises the Secretary of Agriculture on the economic implications of policies and programs affecting the U.S. food and fiber system and rural areas.

Office of the Chief Financial Officer

Office of the Inspector General - performs audits and investigations of USDA's programs and operations.

Plant Protection and Quarantine - provides information on activities and permits, as well as relevant directions and regulations.

Risk Management Agency - created by Congress in 1996 to administer the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation programs.

Rural Development - supports public facilities and services, promotes economic development and offers technical assistance and information.

Rural Housing Service - makes rents affordable for people living in rural areas by providing direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants and technical support to help housing developers create clean and safe housing.

Rural Utilities Service - the federal "point" agency for rural infrastructure assistance in electricity, water and telecommunications.

World Agricultural Outlook Board - coordinates USDA's commodity forecasting program; monitors global weather and analyzes its impact on agriculture; and coordinates USDA's weather, climate and remote sensing work.