USDA.docx - Running Head: USDA USDA Madison Kaiser Indiana...

Running Head: USDA
USDA
Madison Kaiser
Indiana University- Purdue University Fort Wayne

USDA
Abstract
I am choosing to do my paper on the United States Agriculture Department because it’s an
important department and one that peeks my interest. Research done thus far has included the
history, management, leadership and employee motivation of the USDA. The USDA was created
in 1862 when Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act that would establish the early beginnings.

USDA
Madison Kaiser
February 22, 2016
Final project
PPOL V170-03
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture is a Cabinet Department in the U.S. government
that focuses on providing “leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development,
nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, science and effective management.” (USDA
I). The USDA’s main goal is to strive to provide economic opportunity through innovation,
helping rural America to thrive, promote agriculture production while helping feed others
throughout the world; and to preserve our Nation’s natural resources through conservation,
restored forests, improved watershed and healthy working lands (USDA I). My reason for
choosing this department is because I strongly believe in the conservation and preservation of
our nation’s resources and helping others throughout the world.
In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed into law an act of congress establishing the
United States Department of Agriculture. In 1889, President Grover Cleveland signed a bill to
elevate it to Cabinet level. “The Department of Agriculture, which Lincoln deemed “The
People’s Department”, was set to follow the interest of farmers and farming communities, who
made up over half of the American population at the time. Upon its acceptance as a government

USDA