More Than 100 USDA Offices, Including FSA and NRCS, Face Lease Terminations in DOGE Crackdown – Is Your Local Office on the List?

More than 100 USDA agency offices are some of the latest to be selected by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for lease termination. They’re on a list of nearly 750 government offices on the department’s so-called “Wall of Receipts,” falling under the real estate category.

Agencies affected include Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and their locations cut across 39 states and four territories.

Will one of your local offices be affected? Take a look at this map of office locations to find out.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

The mission of the NRCS is to “deliver conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world.” NRCS is USDA’s primary private lands conservation agency and has been in existence for more than 80 years.

The leases of 36 NRCS offices have been terminated, affecting 22 states, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands. With five offices on the list, California was the most affected by the lease terminations.

Farm Service Agency

According to USDA, the mission of the FSA is the equitable service of “all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.” FSA’s roots trace back to 1933.

Eight state FSA offices and 14 county FSA offices have had leases terminated, affecting 12 states. Puerto Rico was also affected – two of the territory’s state FSA offices and three of its county FSA offices are on the list.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website, the agency’s mission is, “Protecting the health, welfare, and value of our nation’s plants, animals, and natural resources.” Notably, APHIS is the branch of USDA confronting the nation’s bird flu outbreak in poultry and dairy cattle.

DOGE lists 19 APHIS office lease terminations in 15 states, Puerto Rico, and Guam. Massachusetts and Texas both have two offices on the list. All other states and territories have one office on the list. 

Forest Service

USDA’s Forest Service (FS) is the nation’s foremost federal forestry organization and was established in 1905.

The leases of 12 FS offices in 10 states are listed as terminated on the DOGE website.

Rural Housing Service

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) supports U.S. agriculture by offering programs to build or improve housing and essential community facilities in rural areas. RHS and its partners work together to “ensure that rural America continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Eleven RHS offices in nine states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands face lease terminations.

Agricultural Marketing Service

According to its website, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) “administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and around the world.”

The DOGE website lists eight AMS office lease terminations in eight states.

Food Safety and Inspection Service

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) “protects public health by preventing illness from meat, poultry, and egg products.”

One FSIS office in Mississippi had its lease terminated, according to DOGE.

Risk Management Agency

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA), “helps to ensure that farmers have the financial tools necessary to manage their agricultural risks. RMA provides coverage through the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, which promotes national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture.”

Based on DOGE’s list, one RMA office in Kansas had its lease terminated.