August 18, 2025
USDA is accepting public comments through August 26 on a sweeping plan to relocate nearly half of its 4,600 Washington, D.C.–based employees to new regional hubs in Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT. This proposal comes on the heels of steep staffing losses, with nearly 18,000 employees leaving the agency since January 2025.
We are deeply concerned that this proposed reorganization—developed without input from Congress or key stakeholders—is not simply a relocation or consolidation, but the dismantling of a department with critical responsibilities. Coupled with recent staffing cuts and funding freezes, this shift threatens USDA’s ability to effectively and efficiently administer federal agriculture and nutrition programs, with real and lasting consequences for the farmers and families who rely on them for viability and food security.
Join us in submitting a comment to USDA by August 26th.
Consider including or paraphrasing some or all of the following points in your message:
- I am deeply concerned that this proposed reorganization—developed without meaningful input from Congress or stakeholders—amounts not to a relocation, but to the dismantling of a department with vital responsibilities.
- Combined with recent staffing cuts and funding freezes at USDA, this shift will have a long-lasting, negative impact on the agency’s ability to administer federal agriculture and nutrition programs in an effective and timely manner, resulting in real consequences for the farmers and families who depend on these supports.
- Moving 2,600 employees away from their homes will cause major delays as well as overturns of staff on critical USDA research. This could delay or cancel projects that are meeting urgent needs like disease prevention, pollinator protection, and resilience to environmental hazards.
- The cost to taxpayers will be $150,000 for each person relocated.
- There are actually only three regions being represented in this reorganization, meaning many regions of the country, including the Northeast, will very likely be less well served by USDA staff.
I urge USDA to pause the implementation of this reorganization and facilitate a transparent process that includes consultation with Congress, state agencies, national and local partners, and impacted USDA staff.
All stakeholders, including USDA employees, members of Congress, and agricultural and nutrition partners, are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing [email protected]. The comment period is open through August 26, 2025.