These initiatives and programs support specific populations such as farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and rural/underserved communities.
Initiatives and Highlighted Programs
USDA's current initiatives and programs provide assistance in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues.
USDA Current Initiatives and Programs
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests about $5.5 billion in lands and resources entrusted to the Forest Service, including many of the landscapes and watersheds we manage together with our federal, tribal, state, private and other partners.
Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic investments in rural America and furthers the commitment to rural communities demonstrated in the American Rescue Plan and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Agriculture Innovation Agenda
American agriculture is environmentally sound, economically viable, and consumer focused, and its success is due to the United States’ open-arms approach to innovation. The Agriculture Innovation Agenda (AIA) is the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to the continued success of American farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters in the face of future challenges.
American Rescue Plan
Thanks to passage of the American Rescue Plan, help is on the way to the American people. The American Rescue Plan will jolt our economy back to life, put money into the hands of struggling Americans, get our children back to school safely, move COVID-19 vaccinations out more swiftly, and deliver nutrition assistance to millions of food insecure Americans.
Build Back Better
On this page, you will find all the programs USDA is deploying to transform the food system, details about their status, and links to apply for funding.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
CFC is the official workplace giving campaign for the federal community, offering federal employees and retirees the opportunity to support the causes they care about by giving to their charity (or charities) of choice from the thousands that participate.
Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
Under Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), USDA has provided $2 billion in financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who reported discrimination in USDA farm lending prior to 2021.
Feds Feed Families
USDA is the designated lead agency for Feds Feed Families (FFF), the annual government-wide food drive which encourages employees from all federal departments and agencies to give in-kind contributions -- food, services, and time -- to food banks and pantries.
Future of Work Toolkit
The USDA is committed to ensuring all employees are equipped with the necessary tools and resources needed for the future of work at USDA.
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stand up the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas.
Programa de Asistencia Financiera Debido a Discriminación
En virtud de la Sección 22007 de la Ley de Reducción de la Inflación (IRA), el USDA ha proporcionado $2 mil millones en asistencia financiera a agricultores, ganaderos y propietarios de bosques que reportaron discriminación en los préstamos agrícolas del USDA antes de 2021.
Small Business
The Department of Agriculture is a strong advocate for small businesses and has continued to award over 50 percent of all eligible contracting dollars to small businesses across the country.
The People's Garden
The simple act of planting a garden can have big impacts -- from building a more diverse and resilient local food system to empowering communities to address issues like nutrition access and climate change.
USDA CARES Partner Portal
The Partner Portal is a resource designed to help USDA CARES partners access the information and tools that are most relevant to their work.
USDA Farmers Market
The market offers an opportunity to more than 30 farmers, ranchers and small food businesses to sell their products directly to those who work, live and visit the Nation’s Capital. Shoppers can find organic produce, fresh cut flowers, homemade breads, and locally made foods – from cheeses to dog treats. Breakfast and lunch options are plentiful, too.