The USDA oversees American agriculture and the safety of the meat, poultry, and egg supply, and runs food-assistance programs such as SNAP and school meals. It also supports farmers and ranchers, manages the national forests, and funds rural development. The department is led by a Cabinet-level Secretary who answers to the President.
Created by Congress under the Act establishing the Department of Agriculture (May 15, 1862); raised to executive (Cabinet) rank by Act of Feb. 9, 1889 (7 U.S.C. 2201 (Act of May 15, 1862, ch. 72, 12 Stat. 387); executive department status: 7 U.S.C. 2202 (Act of Feb. 9, 1889, ch. 122, 25 Stat. 659)), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
