UNITED STATEs DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CENTER #502
See the plantings and programs offered inside this center & in demonstration plots located on West Seneca Acres/ West Pencil Pusher Ave USDA and Soil & Water Conservation Districts Highlight Opportunities for All New Yorkers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Soil and Water Conservation District’s partner to showcase New York agriculture at Empire Farm Days.
Learn about federal and state agricultural programs or stroll through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 200-square-foot garden, featuring native warm season grasses and wildflowers. The garden is next door at W. Pen Pusher Avenue.
This year, celebrate the United States Forest Service’s 100th birthday, complete with a visit by Smokey Bear. Also visit the following agencies at the USDA Services Center tent:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, provides leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants, improving agricultural productivity and competitiveness, and contributing to the national economy and the public health.
The Veterinary Services (VS) division of APHIS works to control and ultimately eradicate diseases in animals such as scrapie, a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division of APHIS inspects agricultural goods and issues the necessary plant health certificates to send them overseas.
Farm Service Agency (FSA)— The 45 New York FSA field offices help to ensure the well-being of American agriculture, the environment and the American public through efficient and equitable administration of farm commodity programs; farm ownership, operating and emergency loans; conservation and environmental programs; and emergency and disaster assistance.
Finger Lakes National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)--The Finger Lakes National Forest is New York State's only national forest---one of over 100 national forests across in the United States. The forest covers 16,000 acres and offers a wide variety of activities and features for guests to enjoy. These include grasslands, hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding snowmobiling, and timber sales. The U.S. Forest Service is a multi-use agency that tackles many issues, including livestock grazing and wildlife habitat management.
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)--American agriculture is continually counted, measured, priced, analyzed, and reported to provide the facts needed by people working throughout this vast industry. Each year, the employees of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conduct hundreds of surveys and prepare reports covering virtually every facet of U.S. agriculture -- production and supplies of food and fiber, prices paid and received by farmers, and farm labor and wages.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) -- NRCS programs demonstrate how cooperation between government and land users can yield environmental benefits for millions of people. At USDA, farming, water quality and environmental protection are compatible activities. This year, NRCS is pleased to feature the fourth year of our Plant Materials Center semi-permanent garden exhibit. Take a walk through the “backyard” of the USDA exhibit in Lot 503. The garden is an intensive teaching display that will evolve over time, as plantings mature and new items are added.
New York Soil & Water Conservation Districts--These are special purpose districts created to develop and carry out a program of soil, water and related natural resource conservation by providing technical assistance. Soil & Water Conservation Districts are located in each county or borough and are governed locally by a board of directors.
Rural Development--Rural Development is a "mission area" under USDA which serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs. Rural Development consists of three services: Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Together they cover a wide range of services to people in rural New York communities. Rural Development has 15 field offices located across New York State ready to offer technical and financial assistance (loans and grants) to rural individuals, businesses and municipalities.
New York Federation of RC&D Councils-- The Federation is comprised of New York’s eight Resource Conservation & Development Councils, which cover all of New York State. The Federation, in conjunction with the efforts of the eight individual councils, provide leadership for the development and implementation of a plan for the orderly conservation, improvement and wise use of natural resources throughout New York State, thereby improving social and economic opportunities for the people within the counties of the state. One of the Federation’s major initiatives is to provide administrative support for the New York’s Venison Donation Program, which has served 1.4 million meals since it’s inception in 2000.