Jul 25, 2025

USDA reorganization aims to support farm horticulture growers

title: USDA reorganization aims to support farm horticulture growers

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced a major reorganization on July 24, 2025, designed to refocus USDA operations on its core mission of supporting American agriculture, including horticulture and greenhouse growers. The plan aims to reduce overhead, relocate staff, and eliminate redundant layers while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of critical services.

USDA will relocate over half of its Washington, D.C., staff to five regional hubs in Raleigh, N.C.; Kansas City; Indianapolis; Fort Collins; and Salt Lake City. Fewer than 2,000 employees will remain in the National Capital Region to maintain essential functions.

“American agriculture feeds, clothes, and fuels this nation and the world, and it is long past time the Department better serve the great and patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers we are mandated to support,” said Secretary Rollins.

The reorganization responds to rapid workforce expansion—USDA grew 8 percent in the past four years and salaries rose 14.5 percent—without improved service to farmers and growers. USDA plans to align staffing with finance and program priorities.

Horticulture, greenhouse and nursery operations may benefit from streamlined support and increased regional access as services move closer to growers. USDA intends the new structure to reduce bureaucracy and bring assistance for specialty crop growers into regional centers.

Staff reductions will be voluntary, using retirement and deferred resignation programs. Critical functions including inspection, public safety, and forest services will remain intact, exempt from federal hiring freeze.