USDA relocates Foreign Agricultural Service operations to Kansas City as part of agency modernization

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced a major reorganization of the Foreign Agricultural Service to streamline operations, reduce facility costs, and bring support functions closer to agricultural regions. The initiative will establish a new operational support hub in Kansas City and gradually relocate much of the agency’s Washington-based domestic workforce, while core trade policy and diplomatic functions remain in Washington.

Under the plan, selected headquarters operations will move to Kansas City, and additional mission support positions will transfer to the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville. USDA stated the phased transition will not result in workforce reductions or affect FAS personnel overseas or at U.S. agricultural diplomatic posts. Agency leadership, trade policy, market access negotiations, congressional relations, and interagency coordination will remain in Washington to support national and international trade.

Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden stated the changes aim to eliminate underused facilities and modernize the department’s structure, strengthening its service to U.S. agriculture. Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg noted that relocating support functions to the agricultural heartland will bring programs closer to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley emphasized that the agency will work closely with employees during the transition to provide support and ensure operational continuity.