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

---

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.

---

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

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

The Loughs Agency and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs have been approached for comment.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Only 30% of U.S. winter wheat is in either good or excellent condition as of the start of this week, according to the most recent weekly Crop Progress report from the Department of Agriculture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Department of Agriculture, which has control over imported monkeys.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston