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NIFA is one of four agencies that make up the USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area. The USDA-REE agencies provide federal leadership in creating and disseminating knowledge spanning the biological, physical, and social sciences related to agricultural research, economic analysis, statistics, extension, and higher education. Below are all the agencies within the USDA, organized by category with brief descriptions.

USDA Mission Area: Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC)


USDA Mission Area: Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

  • FNS mission is to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet and nutrition education in a way that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.

USDA Mission Area: Food Safety


USDA Mission Area: Marketing and Regulatory Programs


USDA Mission Area: Natural Resources and Environment

  • The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

USDA Mission Area: Rural Development

  • USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers programs to help businesses grow as well as job training for people living in rural areas.
  • RHS provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
  • Committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America, RUS offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services.

USDA Mission Area: Research, Education and Economics (REE)


USDA Mission Area: Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA)

  • The U.S. Codex Office coordinates U.S. participation in the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a United Nations body that sets international food standards while protecting consumer health and ensuring fair trade practices.
  • The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security.
Page last updated: April 7, 2025

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