Earlier this month, May 2017  Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced reorganization plans for the department. This includes advancing agricultural trade by creating an under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs; combining farm programs and conservation programs under a new under secretary for farm production and conservation; and changing the current under secretary for rural development position (a sub-cabinet position) to an assistant to the secretary (staff position) in the Office of the Secretary. Perdue also said he will work to create a more public service-focused culture at USDA and improve the agency’s effectiveness and accountability.  

The secretary is asking for input on his proposal. Submit comments online at http://www.fb.org/advocacy/perdue-unveils-plan-to-reorganize-usda/.