USDA announced Wednesday it will reorganize its Foreign Agricultural Service, shifting key operations closer to the nation’s agricultural regions while maintaining a smaller presence in Washington.
The agency plans to establish a new operational hub in Kansas City, Missouri, and move many headquarters staff out of Washington over time. Some employees will relocate to USDA facilities in Beltsville, Maryland, while a reduced workforce will remain in the capital to handle trade policy, leadership and congressional engagement.
Officials said the changes are intended to streamline operations, reduce costs tied to underused facilities and better align the agency with its mission of supporting U.S. agriculture and rural communities.
The USDA said no layoffs are planned and that the transition will occur in phases with support provided to affected employees.
