U.S. Federal Agency
Next
Department of Agriculture
agency
This agency's goals, progress, and results
Read the key documents that describe what this agency wants to achieve, its performance to date, and what it plans to learn through research and evaluation
Strategic plan Performance plan & report Learning agendaMission
To serve all Americans by providing effective, innovative, science-based public policy leadership in agriculture, food and nutrition, natural resource protection and management, rural development, and related issues with a commitment to deliver equitable and climate-smart opportunities that inspire and help America thrive.
Visit agency website
Where is this agency headed?
Strategic goals are updated every four years and represent the broad outcomes and impacts an agency aspires to achieve over the course of an Administration's term. To advance those goals, agencies define more specific, targeted Objectives to complete.
Learn more
4YR Goal
1
Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources, and Communities
- Use Climate-Smart Management and Sound Science to Enhance the Health and Productivity of Agricultural Lands
- Lead Efforts to Adapt to the Consequences of Climate Change in Agriculture and Forestry
- Restore, Protect, and Conserve Watersheds to Ensure Clean, Abundant, and Continuous Provision of Water Resources
- Increase Carbon Sequestration, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Create Economic Opportunities (and Develop Low-Carbon Energy Solutions)
4YR Goal
2
Ensure America's Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous
- Protect Plant and Animal Health by Minimizing Major Diseases, Pests, and Wildlife Conflicts
- Build Resilient Food Systems, Infrastructure, and Supply Chain
- Foster Agricultural Innovation
4YR Goal
3
Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers
- Foster Sustainable Economic Growth by Promoting Innovation, Building Resiliency to Climate Change, and Expanding Renewable Energy
- Expand Markets for Emerging Technologies, Sustainable Products, and Novel Products
- Expand All Producers’ Access to Global Markets Through Negotiation and Enforcement of Trade Agreements
- Expand International Marketing Opportunities and Build Demand in Developing Countries Through Delivery of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
4YR Goal
4
Make Safe, Nutritious Food Available to All Americans
- Increase Food Security Through Assistance and Access to Nutritious and Affordable Food
- Encourage Healthy Dietary Choices through Data-Driven, Flexible, Customer-Focused Approaches
- Prevent Foodborne Illness and Protect Public Health
4YR Goal
5
Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities
- Improve Rural and Tribal Community Infrastructure, Including Affordable E-Connectivity, Cornerstone Community Facilities, Sustainable and Reliable Power, and Clean and Safe Water and Sewer Systems
- Boost the Financial Security of Rural and Tribal Communities through Access to Affordable Housing
- Increase Capacity, Sustainability, and Economic Vitality in Rural and Tribal Communities
- Promote Environmental Justice by Maximizing Sustainable and Green Economic Development in Rural and Tribal Communities
4YR Goal
6
Attract, Inspire, and Retain an Engaged and Motivated Workforce that's Proud to Represent USDA
- Foster a Culture of Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, Transparency, and Accountability
- Establish a Customer-Centric, Inclusive, High-Performing Workforce that is Representative of America and the Communities We Serve
- Promote USDA Operational Excellence Through Better Use of Technology and Shared Solutions