Definitions for "United States Department of Agriculture"
A department of the federal government established by President Lincoln in 1862 under the Organic Act for the purpose of acquiring and diffusing useful information on subjects related to agriculture and to distribute among the people new and valuable seeds and plants. The first Secretary of Agriculture (a cabinet position) was named in 1889.
MS = A department of the United States Government concerned with improving and maintaining farm income and developing and expanding markets for agricultural products. It also helps landowners in protecting the soil, water, forest, and other natural resources. It carries out rural development and conservation programs. Through inspection and grading services it safeguards and insures standards of quality in food supply and production. AN = add UNITED STATES (NIM); research support by this agency is checked as OTHER US GOVT SUPPORT; DF: USDA CATALOG: use NAF entry UI = D016885
The National Organic Program (NOP) was created under the aegis of the USDA.