Agriculture, Department of

US government department of the executive branch established in 1861 to regulate and promote agriculture. It now operates numerous programmes in research, planning, natural resources and conservation, crop control, and credit extension. Of special importance to consumers, the department inspects and grades many agricultural products, releases information to the public on food safety and nutrition, and administers the Food Stamp Program. Included under the department are the Forest Service and the Soil Conservation Service. The agriculture secretary is Edward Schafer (from 2008).