A Year After Move, NIFA and ERS Still Woefully Understaffed

By Hannah Packman

A year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) abruptly relocated two of its major research agencies – the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service) – from Washington, D.C. to Kansas City. The move forced dozens of experienced employees to quit, taking their expertise and institutional knowledge with them.

Despite efforts to fill vacant positions, NIFA and ERS are still both woefully understaffed. ERS has funding for 329 positions in total, 157 of which are current unfilled. The agency conducts research on a wide variety of subjects, including the farm economy, nutrition assistance, food safety, climate change, and rural development. NIFA – which funds food and agricultural research, education, and extension programs – is staffed at similar levels, with 140 of its 315 positions currently vacant.