Feenstra Applauds USDA Research, Education, and Economics Reorganization and Relocation to Ames

April 28, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area agencies for beginning their reorganization process, including agency restructuring and the planned relocation of positions to Ames, Iowa. This major step is intended to modernize the USDA, strengthen support for employees, and put farmers and producers first. The reorganization seeks to better align the Department with its core priorities, strengthen investments in agricultural research, leverage cutting edge scientific methods, and reduce complexity. “Representing one of the largest agricultural districts in the nation, I applaud relocating key USDA functions to Ames,” said Rep. Feenstra. “This reorganization will reduce bureaucratic complexity, strengthen leadership, and help bring the USDA closer to America’s farmers and producers that it serves. By streamlining operations and clarifying accountability, it will allow scientists, statisticians, and researchers to focus on core USDA mission work—advancing the science and data that drive American agriculture.” “The Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area has been essential to the growth of U.S. agriculture since its creation and will remain a pivotal foundation for U.S. agriculture as we shape the next generation of agricultural innovation and economic research,” said REE Under Secretary Scott Hutchins, Ph.D. “Our mission to solve agricultural challenges across the nation will undergird this restructuring and bring U.S. farmers and ranchers the service and assistance that they need to thrive and remain profitable.” ### Issues : Agriculture