US Department of Agriculture · Washington, DC United States

If it's on your dinner plate, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) probably had a hand in getting it there. The USDA oversees matters related to the nation's agricultural industries and food supply. It's main mission is to assist America's farmers and ranchers and provide outreach and education to the public. Among many other functions, it provides training and scientific resources for farmers, awards grants, monitors food safety, operates the Forest Service, and aids federal decision-making processes related to agricultural regulations and trade policies. The USDA has an annual budget of about $95 billion. USDA was founded in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln, who called it "the people's department." To read the full description, subscribe now.