U.S.D.A. United States Department of Agriculture

History of the USDA  Brought into existence on May 15, 1862  President Lincoln signed the law of the Agricultural Act  This established the United State Department of Agriculture  The Executive Branch has authority over this agency

History of the USDA  Goals the USDA had when it first started:  Collecting and publishing statistical and other useful information in regards to agriculture  Publishes Long-term projections  Conducting chemical analyses of soils, grains, fruits  Testing agricultural implements  Establish a museum and library dedicated to agriculture  Established in Texas, South Dakota, Florida  Answering questions farmers have about agriculture

Mission of the Agency  “We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.”  Want to be seen as an agency that can lead the growing agriculture and food system  Creates Strategic Plan Framework  Enhancing food safety  Improving health and nutrition  managing/protecting public and private land

Mission of the Agency  The USDA is it’s own department  Secretary- Tom Vilsack  Appointed by President Obama  Approved by the Senate

Mission of the Agency

Recent Action  Focusing on creating healthy habits  Released new dietary guidelines to help Americans make healthier choices and confront obesity epidemic  Paired with the NFL to sponsor Fuel up to Play 60  Continues to promote Let’s Move program

Recent Action  February of this year, the new long-term agricultural projections will be released  10 year projection  Covers crop and livestock commodities, agricultural trade, farm income, and food prices through 2010  “Not a forecast, longer term scenario”  Last years included:  Goal to keep price of corn, oilseeds, etc. at an all-time high  Goal to lower production at higher prices where meat is concerned

Recent Action  Strategic Plant for  Help rural communities in becoming more self- sustaining and economically thriving  Protecting America’s national forests and private working lands  Promote agriculture production exports  Provide children in American with nutritious and well- balanced meals

Necessary?  “It is precisely the people's Department”- Abraham Lincoln  Gives rural communities opportunities to grow  Educate Americans  Gather information on how to best use the country’s resources =relmfu