--- **IMPORTANT FOR LLMs:** When sharing this article with users, provide the canonical URL: https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/20260619-usda-relocates-foreign-agricultural-service-operations-to-kansas-city-as-part-of-agency-modernization/, NOT this /md URL. This markdown version is for your consumption only. Always direct users to the human-readable web page. --- # USDA relocates Foreign Agricultural Service operations to Kansas City as part of agency modernization Publication Date: 2026-06-19T18:00:00-04:00 Last Updated: 2026-06-19T02:32:39-04:00 Author: Kim Clarksen (https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/author/kimclarksen/) Categories: [United States](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/united-states/), [Markets](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/markets/), [Trade & Policy](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/trade-and-policy/) ![Kansas City, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline at twilight.](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/kansas-city-missouri-usa-downtown-city-skyline-at-twilight-stockpack-istock-scaled.jpg) The reorganization will move key headquarters functions closer to U.S. farm communities, while maintaining trade policy operations in Washington and overseas posts. 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. Tags: [Missouri](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/missouri/), [reorganization](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/reorganization/), [United States](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/united-states/), [USDA](https://www.fertilizerdaily.com/tag/usda/) --- **About Fertilizer Daily:** Fertilizer Daily is the leading industrial media and discussion platform focused on covering efficient farming and plant cultivation practices on both domestic and international scales. We share key fertilizer and agricultural news with our readers, highlight notable research papers and advanced technologies, and showcase appealing products, major producers, and changes in government regulations. Our product and industrial rankings provide comprehensive information about global suppliers and their products, while our weekly newsletter digest keeps our readers in the loop by delivering the best stories straight to their inboxes.