Department of Agriculture
(USDA)
The Purpose
What to they do?
- Oversee American farming industries
- Help with farming subsidies
- Inspect safety of food
Mission Statement
"We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management."
Who, What, When, Where and Why?
Tom Vilsack
Show me the money
USDA’s total outlays for 2015 are estimated at $140 billion. 83 percent of outlays,
about $116 billion, are associated with mandatory programs that provide services
required by law. Most of these outlays include crop insurance, nutrition assistance
programs, farm commodity and trade programs. The other 17 percent of outlays, about $24 billion, are associated with discretionary programs such as food safety; rural development loans and grants; research and education, etc.
Current Issues
- Nutrition Labeling
Making sure that all state regulations regarding labeling are being followed. Including caloric count or ingredients. For example, Burger King and McDonalds voluntarily have this information on the back of place mats.
- School Lunches
School lunches will have to offer vegetables and fruits everyday. They also have to reduce sodium, fats and calories.Fat free milk has to be available