USDA to Relocate Workforce from Washington D.C. to Regional Hubs Amid Reorganization

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will relocate most of its Washington, D.C., workforce to five regional hubs as part of a major federal reorganization under President Donald Trump’s administration. The move, aimed at reducing the agency’s footprint and aligning staff with “core constituents,” will cut the Washington presence to fewer than 2,000 employees.

Approximately 2,600 workers will be reassigned to new hubs in Raleigh, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fort Collins, Colorado; and Salt Lake City, Utah. The agency will also vacate several Washington properties, including the flagship Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland and a headquarters building on the National Mall.

This decision follows previous USDA relocations in 2019, which triggered significant staff attrition. Employee unions warn the latest plan could further disrupt operations, reduce oversight, and increase costs. Laura Dodson of the American Federation of Government Employees criticized the plan as “bad for employees” and harmful to public services.

Critics, including Senate Agriculture Committee leaders John Boozman and Amy Klobuchar, said they were not consulted and are calling for congressional hearings. Labor experts also warn USDA may face hiring challenges in smaller labor markets.

The USDA confirmed no widespread layoffs are planned but acknowledged workforce reductions through voluntary departures. In addition to staff moves, the agency will consolidate the National Agricultural Statistics Service from twelve offices to five and close nine Forest Service regional offices over the next year, adjusting for wildfire season.

The restructuring marks one of the most significant changes to USDA operations in decades, potentially reshaping how agricultural research and data are managed nationwide.