The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be built to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century agricultural economyaccording to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He aims to increase the USDA efficiency and hence to help producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs.
“The USDA, like families and businesses across the country, cannot continue to operate like we did 50 years ago,” said Vilsack. “We must innovate, modernize, and be better stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars. We must build on the record accomplishments of farm communities in 2011 with a stronger, more effective USDA in 2012 and beyond.”