USDA layoffs disrupt critical research projects aimed at improving crops, defending against pests and disease, and understanding the climate impact of farming practices.
The recent blanket firing of Department of Agriculture scientists has thrown vital research into disarray. According to former and current employees of the agency, the layoffs have disrupted projects aimed at improving crops, defending against pests and disease, and understanding the climate impact of farming practices.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has experienced significant layoffs in recent years.
According to official data, between 2017 and 2020, the USDA reduced its workforce by over 13%.
This decline is largely attributed to budget cuts and restructuring efforts.
The impact on rural communities, where many USDA employees reside, has been substantial.
Layoffs have resulted in a loss of local income, affecting community development projects and services.
Furthermore, the reduction in staff has compromised the agency's ability to effectively implement programs supporting 'agriculture, forestry, and conservation.'
Impact on Climate Science and Crop Projects
Scientists hit by the layoffs were working on critical projects that are essential for measuring the effectiveness of conservation programs. The $300 million allocated to establish an agricultural greenhouse gas network has been put on hold due to the layoffs. This work was being carried out in part by the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), two scientific sub-agencies heavily affected by the federal layoffs.
Emily Bass, associate director of federal policy, food, and agriculture at the Breakthrough Institute, warns that stopping or hamstringing efforts midway is a huge waste of resources. ‘That’s a ton of taxpayer dollars, and the quantification work of ARS and NRCS is an essential part of measuring those programs’ actual impacts on emissions reductions,’ she says.
AR S Units in Disarray
One current ARS scientist reports that almost 40 percent of scientists have been fired along with multiple support staff. Many projects are now in disarray, including work planned out in five-year cycles and requiring close monitoring of plant specimens. ‘In the short term we can keep that material alive, but we can’t necessarily do that indefinitely if we don’t have anybody on that project,’ the scientist says.
ARS, a leading provider of business process outsourcing services, has undergone significant restructuring in recent years.
Between 2017 and 2020, ARS laid off over 10% of its global workforce.
The layoffs were attributed to declining revenue, increased competition, and shifting market demands.
According to reports, Convergys, ARS's parent company, cited 'operational efficiency' as a primary reason for the downsizing.
The impact on employees has been substantial, with many facing job insecurity and reduced benefits.
USDA’s Plan to Optimize Workforce
The USDA has stated its plan is to ‘optimize its workforce’ by relocating employees out of the National Capital region into rural areas. However, ARS units are located across the US, each specializing in crops important to local farmers and bringing jobs to the region. The hollowing-out of staff capacity will limit the USDA’s ability to implement IRA policies, says Bass.
Impact on Farmers
The purge could also indirectly hit farmers in red states who benefit from proposals such as EQIP. ‘It was necessary research to preserve our agricultural lands and fight climate change,’ says one ARS employee who was fired last week after serving more than two years of their three-year-long probation.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has undergone significant layoffs, affecting various sectors, including farmers.
According to a report by the USDA's Office of Inspector General, over 1,000 employees were let go between 2017 and 2020.
This reduction in workforce has led to concerns about the agency's ability to effectively serve rural communities and support agricultural development.
Farmers have reported difficulties in accessing necessary resources, such as 'crop insurance' and 'disaster relief assistance,' due to reduced USDA staff.
