XL EagleUSDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
USDA stands for U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees farm programs, food safety, nutrition programs, rural development, and national forests. Its agencies include the Forest Service, NRCS, and the Agricultural Marketing Service.
USDA buys food for nutrition programs, forest and fire services, construction, lab supplies, and facility work. The Agricultural Marketing Service runs commodity food purchases from approved vendors.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Food producers and processors can sell through USDA commodity purchases once approved. Rural trades can find work with the Forest Service and other USDA field offices. Each agency within USDA buys separately.
Example
A small meat processor goes through USDA's vendor approval process so it can bid on commodity purchases for school meal programs.
USDA: common questions
How do I sell food to USDA?
Commodity food buys run through USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, which has a vendor approval process. Check its current requirements before bidding.
Is the Forest Service part of USDA?
Yes. The Forest Service is a USDA agency, not part of Interior.
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