By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is undergoing major staff and budget changes. More than 15,000 USDA employees will exit under a Deferred Resignation Program, and the administration has proposed a $4.6 billion cut to the department’s discretionary funding for fiscal year 2026.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins will appear before Congress to outline how the department will manage these sweeping changes, which aim to restructure USDA operations.
The proposed cut represents a 13% reduction compared to 2024 levels and excludes mandatory spending like crop insurance and SNAP.
The largest staffing losses include over 4,000 from the Forest Service, 2,400 from NRCS, and 1,500 from Rural Development.
Some agencies like NASS and RD will lose about 30% of their workforce. APHIS, facing over 1,300 exits, has already started recruiting to fill critical roles.
The proposed budget would significantly affect conservation, rural housing, broadband access, and agricultural research. The NRCS would see a $754 million reduction, while Rural Development faces a $721 million cut.
Funding for programs like Food for Peace, McGovern-Dole, and rural housing loans would be eliminated.
“President Biden and Secretary Vilsack left USDA in complete disarray, including hiring thousands of employees with no sustainable way to pay them,” said USDA Communications Director Seth Christensen.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) could lose $602 million, nearly one-third of its budget, while ARS would face a $159 million cut. Some research facilities may close due to disrepair.
Critics say these cuts will damage technical assistance, conservation programs, and support for rural communities during already difficult times.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National