86�SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025�ABASTO.COM USDA REORGANIZATION WORKFORCE CUTS, SHIFTS FOCUS TO AGRICULTURE By Hernando Ramírez-Santos U .S. Secretary of Agricul- ture Brooke L. Rollins unveiled a sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week, marking a return to the agency’s core mis- sion: supporting American agriculture. The announcement, which afects thousands of federal workers, restruc- tures USDA operations by consolidating ofces, reducing staf through voluntary retirements, and relocating agency per- sonnel from Washington, D.C. to five regional hubs. The goal, Rollins said, is to make the Department leaner, more efective, and closer to the communities it serves. ROLLINS CITES OVERSPENDING, MISMANAGEMENT Rollins said the USDA had grown bloated in recent years, with workforce ex- pansion outpacing finan- cial resources. Salaries increased 14.5% and em- ployee headcount rose 8% over four years, yet ser- vices to farmers and ran- chers did not improve. “We found a bloated, expensive, and unsus- tainable organization,” Rollins said. “President Trump tasked us with res- toring accountability, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.” The USDA’s footprint in the National Capital Re- gion, which includes over 4,600 employees, will be significantly reduced. Ro- llins cited underused buil- dings, high operating costs, and billions in deferred maintenance as factors be- hind the realignment. Continues on page 88... FOOD INDUSTRY