What Is the Purpose of the USDA?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a government organization best known for its role in American farming. However, the purpose of the USDA goes far beyond just regulating how farmers do business. This is evident in the seven distinct areas within the USDA and the fact that the USDA employs approximately 100,000 employees to handle its programs. A look at what the USDA does provides a better picture of the department's entire purpose.
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History
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The purpose of the USDA has shifted over time to fit the needs of the American people. The department got a foundation in the late 1700s from organizations such as The Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, whose members wanted to represent and support American farmers. The Senate followed their example and established the Agricultural Committee in 1820. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln formally established the USDA. Initially, these groups and actions were intended to address the growing problem of diseased imported animals and the inconsistency of state-by-state agricultural regulations. After World War II, President Eisenhower restructured the USDA, and its focus moved to mislabeling and contamination. Today, the USDA addresses dozens of agricultural issues.
Primary Purpose
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The primary purpose of the USDA is to make sure that all American food that is manufactured and consumed is safe, nutritious and sustainable. The USDA thus establishes and enforces regulations about food handling, preparation and manufacturing. It seeks to find ways to make crops healthier, such as growing certain hybrids or reducing pesticide use. It also works with farmers to develop techniques that enable the farmers to produce crops without injury in an efficient and renewable way.
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Food Assistance
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The USDA supports nutrition programs that make sure people have something good to eat. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, for example, provides temporary financial assistance to low-income individuals for the purchase of food, and the Women With Independent Children (WIC) program supports pre- and postnatal care and nutrition for women and their children.
Development and Growth
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The USDA wants to make sure that rural areas have the resources they need to succeed. It thus supports programs that assist rural development. For example, very low income individuals and seniors in rural areas may be eligible for grants to fix their homes. The USDA also supports programs designed to help rural areas invest in cleaner, more renewable energies such as solar and wind power.
Education and Marketing
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The USDA supports research and education programs in the agricultural field. This may enable students to do everything from learn plant basics to design the latest in agricultural machinery. The USDA also markets programs that teach people about nutrition, or that permit scientists to research plant chemistry and development.
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References
- Photo Credit vegetable farmer image by Antonio Oquias from Fotolia.com
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