Items Tagged with 'Beltsville Agricultural Research Center'

Farm groups and other USDA stakeholders are raising concerns about the impact the Trump administration’s reorganization plan will have on agencies and personnel. The planned closure of a major research center in suburban Maryland and the department’s plan to consolidate staff in five regional hubs also are drawing some opposition.

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden staunchly defended USDA’s reorganization plan at the Senate Agriculture Committee Wednesday, saying it would make the department more efficient and allow more employees to live in areas where they can afford to buy a home.

A report sent to President Trump officially substantiates whistleblower claims of workplace safety concerns at an ag research facility that led USDA to invest $50 million in renovation and improvement efforts.