USDA Overhauls REE Mission Area to Boost Efficiency and Bring Research Closer to Farmers

USDA announced a major reorganization of the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area to streamline operations, strengthen leadership accountability, and move many positions from the National Capital Region to closer to farming communities. The plan relocates ERS and NIFA staff to Kansas City, shifts NASS positions to St. Louis, decommissions the Beltsville ARS site and relocates ARS programs nationwide, and expands the REE Business Center, while preserving the Office of the Chief Scientist to ensure science-based, farmer-focused results.