The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was established during the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln in May 1862 in order to resolve the famine and brutality that had been plaguing the country. The USDA was created to ensure the nation was able to provide adequate food and nutrition for its citizens. With the establishment of the USDA, a cabinet-level Secretary of Agriculture was appointed in 1889 to oversee the operations and further develop the mission statement of the department. The current Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, was appointed in 2009.
Role of The Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Agriculture works with the United States Congress to craft policy that supports agricultural supply and access to food as well as rural development. The Chairman is involved in the formulation of legislation, regulations, and standards to uphold effective service delivery and proper management of the stability and production of the agricultural industry. The executive performance of the USDA and the guidance of the Secretary oversee the other departments within the USDA that are responsible for areas like markets and prices, organic standards, and food safety.
History of The Secretary of Agriculture
The first person to hold the position of Secretary of Agriculture was Norman Jay Coleman, who was appointed to the role in 1889. Coleman held the office for just one year until James Wilson took over the role in 1890. Wilson was the longest-serving Secretary of Agriculture and was in office for the duration of President Theodore Roosevelt’s two terms. The role of the Secretary has been filled by multiple people throughout the 20th century and has seen multiple changes in economic and political circumstance due to natural occurrences, such as floods and droughts, as well as public policy.
Mission of Secretary of Agriculture
The general mission of the Secretary of Agriculture is to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. This branch of the executive is responsible for developing and executing national policies related to farmers, as well as for advocating for farmers and rural Americans. The main goal of the department is to increase the efficiency and resilience of the nation’s food and agricultural system.
Growth of Secretary of Agriculture
As the USDA evolved with the understanding of the biophysical requirements needed to sustain a stable food and agricultural system, the Secretary of Agriculture has grown to encompass many aspects of the United States’ government that has improved the ability of producers to guarantee food and nutrition security. The department has used its extended responsibilities to make advances in agricultural research, foster conservation programs, and to provide necessary assistance to rural communities in need.
USDA Programs
The USDA currently administers and maintains 19 different programs to meet the many needs of the food and agriculture system. These programs range from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps families afford meals, to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of fresh and processed meat and poultry products. Additionally, the USDA has funded various programs to develop a sustainable farming community, from collaborating with Native American tribes to strengthen rural communities to providing financial support for farmers and ranchers who have been bitten by drought or financial strain.
Research of Secretary of Agriculture
In recent years, the USDA has worked to develop research initiatives and collect data to help build a better agricultural system. The USDA has invested in research to develop better production strategies and sustainable nutritional policies, and it has collected data in the areas of agricultural economics, food safety, marketing, and public health to continue to improve the food and agricultural system. The Secretary of Agriculture has also been actively promoting public-private partnerships to create innovative solutions to global food safety, nutrition, and production challenges.
Farmers’ Rights and Programs
The USDA also creates and enforces policies that protect and preserve the rights of farmers in the United States. This includes the establishment of programs to increase the profitability of small farms, and to ensure that farmers have access to the best quality of advice and resources to operate their business. Additionally, the USDA has introduced programs to assist minority and socially disadvantaged farmers, promoting the goals of equity and fairness in the agricultural system.
Improving the Food System
The USDA is constantly working to cultivate a healthier and stronger agricultural system in the United States. The department has implemented initiatives and policies to create economic opportunities for farmers, increase access to healthier foods, and ensure that food can be produced in a sustainable and safe manner. The department has also provided funding and resources to schools and institutions to promote nutrition education and to increase access to healthy food.
