The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to relocate more than half of its 4,600 Washington-based employees to five regional hubs across the country. This decision, spearheaded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, is part of a broader initiative to modernize federal operations and improve service delivery to rural communities.
The relocation will see more than 2,300 employees moved out of Washington, D.C., with the remaining staff being distributed among regional offices in key agricultural states. The new hubs are expected to enhance the USDA’s ability to engage directly with farmers, ranchers, and rural stakeholders, reducing bureaucratic delays and increasing responsiveness to local needs.
Rollins emphasized that the move is essential for ensuring that the USDA remains an effective and accessible agency for all Americans, particularly those in underserved rural areas. While the exact locations of the regional hubs have yet to be finalized, the agency has indicated a focus on states with significant agricultural activity, such as Iowa, Texas, and California.
Industry experts have welcomed the decision as a positive step toward improving federal efficiency, though some have raised concerns about the logistical challenges of relocating such a large workforce. The USDA has pledged to provide support and resources to facilitate a smooth transition for affected employees.