USDA to Close 259 Offices in Nationwide Overhaul

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) late Monday released what it calls its Blueprint for Stronger Service, a widely anticipated overhaul of the agency's operations, which among other changes will close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country and seven foreign offices. The plan is expected to save the agency about $150 million annually, USDA said in a news release.

"Blueprint for Stronger Service [is] a plan that helps producers continue to drive America's economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs," USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said, in the release.

The office closings include:

• Farm Service Agency (FSA): consolidate 131 county offices in 32 states;
• Foreign Agricultural Service: close two country offices;
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): close 15 APHIS offices in 11 states and five APHIS offices in five foreign countries;
• Rural Development: close 43 area and sub offices in 17 states and U.S. territories;
• Natural Resources Conservation Service: close 24 soil survey offices in 21 states;
• Food Safety and Inspection Service: close five district offices in five states;
• Agricultural Research Service: close 12 programs at 10 locations; and
• Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services: close 31 field offices in 28 states.

The Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center in Beaver, W.Va., is on the closure list. The American Sheep Industry Association and its state members worked to change the decision about closing the Beaver center, which provides a vital service for sheep production in the East.

A complete list of locations being consolidated is at www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=blueprint_for_stronger_service.html. Vilsack noted that services are not to be cut.

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