Indiana Among Finalists For USDA Agencies

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue (file photo)

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Indiana is among three finalists to become the new homes of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The proposal from Purdue University, the state of Indiana and the Indiana Economic Development Corp. was chosen from among 136 Expressions of Interest from 35 states. The department says it took into account factors including workforce, infrastructure and quality of life.

The USDA announced last year it would move ERS and NIFA out of Washington D.C. by the end of 2019 in an effort to improve customer service and save taxpayer dollars. The other finalists include the Greater Kansas City Region in Kansas and Missouri and the Research Triangle Region in North Carolina. St. Louis and Madison, Wisconsin are listed as alternative locations.

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue says the move will allow the department "to be closer to our stakeholders and move our resources closer to our customers." He says the USDA will "continue to be transparent as we proceed with our analysis."

The Economic Research Service provides research on trends and emerging issues in agriculture, food, the environment and rural issues to help decision and policy making in the public and private sectors. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture provides resources and funding for programs that push ag-related sciences.