Reduced odds of USDA staff refusing transfers, as discharged federal workers face difficulties finding new employment
USDA's Major Workforce Reorganization Underway
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in the process of relocating more than half of its national capital region employees to five regional hubs across the country. The move, which is not yet finalized as of late July 2025, aims to reduce costs and position the agency closer to the agricultural communities it serves.
According to Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), USDA employees are often the "most visible face of the federal government in rural America." However, the USDA's current relocation plans are much broader in scope than what happened under the first Trump administration.
The agency intends to move about 2,600 Washington, D.C.-based employees to hubs in Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT. This reorganization includes closing and consolidating multiple Washington offices and aims to reduce costly deferred maintenance on several headquarters buildings.
USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden emphasized that the plan disfavors layoffs and anticipates that most employees will accept relocation offers. While reductions in force (RIFs) could be used if necessary, any layoffs would be minimal and subject to Vaden's personal approval. The overall goal is to create a more efficient organization and develop the next generation of USDA leadership.
The impact on the federal workforce includes significant shifts in geographical distribution, potential for voluntary workforce reductions, consolidation and closure of multiple Washington-area offices, and uncertainty as employee feedback and final plans are still being solicited.
Senator Amy Klobuchar stated that the USDA reorganization plan would create chaos on a much grander scale. However, Vaden said criticism of the USDA reorganization is overblown. He also stated that the department plans to offload buildings that don't meet the 60% standard, citing fairness to the taxpayer.
The USDA's reorganization plan is progressing as a major workforce reorganization focused on efficiency and cost savings, with an emphasis on retaining employees and avoiding mass layoffs. It represents a fundamental shift in where and how the USDA operates, with important implications for the federal agricultural workforce distribution and agency culture.
- The federal workforce reimagined by USDA's major workforce reorganization will be occupying office space in five regional hubs: Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT.
- The USDA's workforce reorganization, centered on finance and business efficiency, aims to generate cost savings while developing the next generation of USDA leadership.
