USDA Overhaul: Massive Relocation and Reorganization Shifts Federal Workforce Away from D.C.

In a sweeping move to modernize operations and increase accountability, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is aggressively expanding its reorganization plans. The agency is shifting hundreds of employees out of the Washington, D.C. metro area and redistributing its workforce to “mission-critical locations” across the United States.

This strategic pivot aims to bridge the gap between federal administration and the actual producers they serve, moving government expertise closer to the heart of American farming and forestry.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Migration

One of the most significant shifts is occurring within the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The USDA has announced that approximately two-thirds of the FSIS workforce currently based in the D.C. area will be relocated.

Key developments include:

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• Urbandale, Iowa: The establishment of a new National Food Safety Center. This will become the agency’s largest office in the country, housing roughly 200 employees and serving as the primary hub for administrative, technical, and IT operations.
• Athens, Georgia: The opening of a new Science Center to enhance capabilities in epidemiology, chemistry, and microbiology.
• Fort Collins, Colorado: New operations dedicated to supporting international activities.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that these changes ensure the FSIS is “positioned where it can best support American agriculture and protect public health,” reflecting a commitment to delivering tangible results for the American people.

Restructuring Research and Statistics

The reorganization extends deep into the USDA’s research and data arms. The agency is doubling down on relocation efforts for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), pushing more personnel toward Kansas City.

Furthermore, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will see employees reassigned to regional offices, specifically in St. Louis. Perhaps most notably, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has begun decommissioning the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland. With over 400 buildings—many of which are outdated—the ARS is moving programs to facilities that better align with regional agricultural needs.

According to the official USDA guidelines, this shift is designed to modernize the research footprint and foster better collaboration with industry partners and farmers.

The Forest Service: A Major Shake-up

The USDA’s Forest Service is facing some of the most drastic changes in this cycle:

• Headquarters Move: The Forest Service is planning to relocate its headquarters to Salt Lake City, Utah.
• Facility Closures: 57 of its 77 research facilities are currently at risk of closure, with only 20 confirmed to remain open.
• Staffing Cuts: The FY 2027 budget request proposes the elimination of 800 research scientist positions, encouraging employees to seek opportunities in the private or state sectors.
• Regional Offices: Plans are underway to close all nine of its regional offices.

The Human Cost: Attrition vs. Market Reality

Relocation has historically been a point of contention. During the first Trump administration, more than half of the employees notified of relocation chose to leave the agency rather than move. However, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden suggests that the current climate is different.

With mass layoffs across various federal agencies and a challenging job market in Washington, D.C. (which currently sees the highest unemployment rate in the country), the USDA expects higher retention rates this time around. The reality of the current economic landscape may make relocation a more attractive option for federal employees than resigning.

Summary of the USDA Reorganization Goals