Department of Ag Proposal Concern Democrats And Republicans

USDA layoffs and office consolidations are raising bipartisan concern in Congress.  Staffing levels could be pared by nearly 10% starting by early May, with the remaining staff relocated to three hubs around the country.  That’s according to briefed USDA officials, who are cited in a report by Government Executive, a government business news daily.

The layoffs and office consolidations are raising big concerns in farm country and with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“In Minnesota, and I know across this country, haphazard layoffs at USDA are jeopardizing our ability to serve farmers and keep our Ag system the safest and most productive in the world,” noted Top House Ag Democrat Angie Craig.

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins has stressed staff cuts will target duplicative support roles and unneeded management layers.  That, as some D.C. offices are moved closer to farmers, ranchers, and foresters, minimizing USDA’s capital region footprint.  Republican senator Chuck Grassley.

“It is of concern, but I’d have to study to see how farmers are being served," said Republican senator Chuck Grassley.  "But we think rural America can’t be left out, just because it’s rural America.” 

FSA office consolidations and ERS and NIFA relocations sparked objections in 2019, while new staffing cuts await agencies like NRCS and the Forest Service, Government Executive reported.  NRCS received billions of dollars through the climate-related Inflation Reduction Act targeted by the White House.  Reversing IRA-boosted staff levels is a stated goal that would cut nearly a quarter of NRCS staff.

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