USDA Announces Modernization of the Foreign Agricultural Service to Strengthen Market Access and Support for U.S. Agriculture

Washington, D.C., June 17, 2026 - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to streamline operations, consolidate support functions, and bring employees and programs closer to America's agricultural heartland.

The effort is part of a broader Department-wide initiative that directs agencies to align workforce and facilities with available resources and to use these savings to focus on the core USDA mission to advance American agriculture and revive rural communities.

As part of this effort, FAS will establish an operational support hub in Kansas City, Missouri, and will begin a phased relocation of much of its Washington, D.C.-based workforce to this new duty station and to USDA's George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, while a smaller Washington-based contingent will remain in Washington, D.C. This modernization effort does not include any reduction in force and focuses entirely on domestic headquarters functions; no overseas staff or diplomatic posts are affected.

"Our promise to the American people requires us to make tough but necessary decisions - including ending wasteful spending on underused facilities and modernizing organizational structures that don't fit today's needs," said Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden. "By acting now, we're positioning the Foreign Agricultural Service - and the entire Department - to continue serving the American people for generations to come."

"Shifting key support functions to the heartland brings our programs directly to the communities that drive American agriculture," said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg. "Modernizing how we do business at home ensures we're giving our employees the structure, tools, and support they need to meet today's challenges and continue winning for U.S. agriculture."

"Our strength has always come from our people, whether they're in Washington or around the world," said Administrator Daniel Whitley. "As we work through this effort, we're committed to giving our employees the support, clarity, and resources they need to navigate this transition."

Streamlining Assistance and Trade Support Functions

Because Kansas City is part of America's agricultural heartland, shifting specific FAS program operations and support functions to the region brings both the programs and the employees closer to the farmers, ranchers, producers, and the rural communities they serve.

FAS will also transition selected mission support positions to USDA's George Washington Carver Center (GWCC) in Beltsville, Maryland, where employees will have improved access to consolidated mission support and administrative services.

A smaller Washington-based contingent - including agency leadership, trade policy, market access negotiations, cooperator programs, and congressional and interagency engagement - will remain in Washington, D.C. to ensure a strong presence for national coordination and trade policy work.

Any organizational updates or relocations will be phased in over time and in close consultation with affected staff, who will receive any available support throughout the transition.

For more information on USDA reorganization efforts, visit: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/reorganization.