USDA Plans Significant Workforce Cuts, Relocations from D.C.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to significantly reduce its workforce and dismantle its headquarters in Washington, D.C., affecting thousands of employees. The agency plans to relocate remaining personnel to three undisclosed hubs across the country, while also shutting down one of its two D.C. buildings. Secretary Brooke Rollins has outlined an aggressive strategy to optimize the workforce and has introduced voluntary buyouts and a program for deferred resignations. The department has warned that layoffs could reach around 9,000 employees, with cuts expected by late April or early May. Employees have been informed that remote work is no longer permitted, and those living far from the new hubs will be required to relocate to retain their positions. The planned changes have raised concerns among staff and representatives in the agricultural community about the timing and potential impact on farmers during the critical planting season.