USDA is a government company focusing on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. Established in 1862 as a way to provide leadership based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management, the USDA envisions itself as a dynamic organization efficiently providing integrated program delivery for a rapidly evolving food and agriculture system. The strategic plan framework for USDA involves expanding markets for agricultural products, supporting international economic development, further developing alternative markets, providing financing for rural job opportunities and infrastructure improvement, enhancing food safety, and improving nutrition and health through food assistance programs.
Based in Washington, DC, USDA employs a diverse workforce of 106,000 people and generates annual revenue of $10.0B. The organization is known for its employee retention with staff members staying for an average of 4.8 years. Despite its diversity in other areas, USDA employees are noticeably lacking in political diversity, with a high proportion of them being members of the Democratic Party. The average employee at USDA earns $42,612 per year, which is significantly lower than some of its highest-paying competitors such as Southern Nevada Water Authority, City of Hope, and U.S. Department of State.
