Press Releases

Today, the Committee on Agriculture began Part I of a two-day hearing series examining U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organization and program administration. USDA officials from the Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS), Food Safety (FS), and Rural Development (RD) mission areas served as witnesses. 

This hearing series follows a similar series the committee held with USDA last fall.  By setting aside two days each year to focus on examining each of USDA’s seven mission areas and their respective agencies, members of the committee gain a fuller understanding of how the various parts of USDA work together to achieve the department’s purpose and goals.

“As we come closer to writing the next Farm Bill, it is imperative that committee members have a thorough knowledge of each of USDA’s agencies and the important work they do. Today, we build on that effort as we begin our second annual two-day hearing with officials from USDA. Beyond gaining a better understanding of USDA’s structure, I hope that through this hearing we can highlight the areas where things are working well, identify areas where there could be improvements, and look for ways we can better work together for rural America. I thank all of the witnesses for their time and insight, and I look forward to hearing from the remaining USDA mission areas tomorrow,” said Chairman Conaway.

“This is the second time the committee has held a two-day hearing to take a deeper look at USDA’s organization and program administration. A lot of folks don’t know the full scope of the work done by USDA. This is an opportunity, for the general public along with committee members, to gain a fuller picture of the work being done in the various mission areas,” said Ranking Member Collin Peterson.

Written testimony provided by the witnesses from today’s hearing is linked below. Click here for more information, including Chairman Conaway's opening statement, and the archived webcast.

Witness List:
Panel I
The Honorable Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, USDA, Washington, D.C. 

Accompanied by: 
Ms. Audrey Rowe, Administrator, Food and Nutritional Service, USDA, Washington, D.C.

Ms. Angie Tagtow, Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA, Washington, D.C. 

Panel II
Mr. Alfred Almanza, Deputy Under Secretary, Food Safety, USDA, Washington, D.C

Accompanied by: 
Mr. Phil Derfler, Deputy Administrator for Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, Washington, D.C. 

Panel III 
The Honorable Lisa Mensah, Under Secretary, Rural Development, USDA, Washington, D.C.

Accompanied by: 
Mr. Brandon McBride, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA, Washington, D.C. Mr. Tony Hernandez, Administrator, Rural Housing Service, USDA, Washington, D.C. 

Mr. Sam Rikkers, Acting Administrator, Rural Business Cooperative Service, USDA, Washington, D.C.