Department of Agriculture

American  

noun

1. the department of the U.S. federal government that institutes and administers all federal programs dealing with agriculture. USDA

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Department of Agriculture Cultural  

1. A department of the federal executive branch that provides services for farmers, including agricultural research, soil conservation, and efforts to regulate and stabilize the farming economy.

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Etymology

Origin of Department of Agriculture

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of New World screwworm in the umbilical area of a bovine in Zavala County, Texas, more than 60 miles from the northern Mexico border.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

But Florida experienced an outbreak in 2016 that primarily impacted deer, and was eliminated the following year, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

Private zoos are routinely inspected by the Department of Agriculture, which issues animal exhibitor licenses and can cite facilities for violating the Animal Welfare Act.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

When asked for comment, the Department of Agriculture pointed Salon to a recent op-ed from Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

“Up to 1953 I had regarded as gospel everything that emanated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the agricultural colleges,” one of them remarked bitterly.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson