Dept.+of+Agriculture

Welcome to the USDA homepage

Leadership: Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak Mission statement:  We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.  H1N1 virus is the biggest issue in the USDA as of the first of May. May 4, 2009 Mexico has shut down all public fascilities such as schools, cafes, etc.. Though this is likely to be lifted soon there are still some thoughts and worries about a second outbreak. By monday May 4th world wide cases of the H1N1 virus also known as the swine flu had reached 985, and 26 fatal incidents. They also report how several talk show hosts have used this recent outbreak of H1N1 virus to ignite the issue of illeagal immigration from south of the border. Spokesman Gregory Hartl has talked about how influenzas sin the past have sprung up in the spring only to go into hidding and return in the autumn season to strike more fiercely. Title: U.N. Wary of second wave of swine flu. Author: cnn reporters and staff.

May 2, 2009. Leader of the USDA gave a speech informing people about a new outbreak of the H1N1 virus in pigs on a farm in Alberta Canada. He explained that the virus is not a food born illness and that cooking all meats and pultry to recomended temperatures is always good to kill all bacteria.The swine flu was reportedly transfused to the pigs in canada by a worker on the farm who recently visited Mexico. Title: Statement from secretary vilsak on Canada Detection of H1N1 in Alberta swine. Author: Chris Mather, Speech from USDA sec. Vilsak.

May 2, 2009 The CDC is saying that the numbers as of now are not too high, but alot of the tests are not returned from the labs. The number of the infected is expected to rise over the next couple of weeks befor any chance of the numbers deminishing greatly. If you feel sick you are to stay home from work or school and contact your physician. The virus can be transmitted up to 24 hours before any signs of symptoms so this is very critical. Title: Cautious approach urged on the flu in U.S. Author:MSNBC staff put together this article.

USDA BUDGET 2009. Total USDA expenditures are close to $95 billion for 2009. This is just about the same amount as 2008. Roughly 76 percent of expences, or $72 billion in 2009, will be for mandatory programs that provide services required by law, which include many of the nutrition assistance, commodity, export promotion and conservation programs.

HISTORY/FORMER SECRETARIES

USDA has a strategic plan to implement its vision. The base of this plan depends on these main activities: expanding markets for agricultural products and support international economic development, further developing alternative markets for agricultural products and activities, providing financing needed to help expand job opportunities and improve housing, utilities and infrastructure in rural America, enhancing food safety by taking steps to reduce foodborne illness hazards from farm to table, improving nutrition and health by providing food assistance and nutrition education, and managing America's public and private lands working with other levels of government and the private sector.

Ed Schafer 29th

Mike Johanns 28th

Ann M. Veneman 27th

Daniel Robert Glickman 26th

%Pr