USDA staff face job losses as reorganization forces relocations

In June 2026, Laura Dodson, an agricultural economist at the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), was informed that her position would be relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. This decision is part of a larger reorganization effort by the USDA, which has raised concerns among employees about job security and the impact on services provided to farmers and researchers. During the first Trump administration, a similar reorganization in 2019 led to significant staff attrition, with more than half of the employees in the Economic Research Service (ERS) choosing not to relocate, resulting in a decline in productivity and slower processing of grants.

The current reorganization has prompted fears that up to 80% of ERS employees who received relocation notices may opt to leave the agency. USDA officials have stated that the reorganization aims to align personnel and resources more effectively, and they have offered to reimburse relocation expenses for those who choose to move. However, many employees are expressing reluctance to relocate due to the hardships it would impose, particularly for those with families or established lives in Washington, DC.

Chearice Vaughn, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3870, highlighted the emotional toll this uncertainty has taken on employees. Many are considering taking incentives to leave the agency rather than face the challenges of relocation. The USDA has indicated that it does not anticipate a reduction in force and believes that staff attrition rates will not be as high as in previous relocations, partly due to a weaker job market in Washington, DC.

Despite these reassurances, a coalition of unions is challenging the USDA's plans in court, arguing that the updated strategies mirror last year's proposals with only minor adjustments. The reorganization includes significant changes, such as reducing the number of regional offices in the Food and Nutrition Administration from seven to five hubs, which could further impact employee morale and operational efficiency. As the situation unfolds, employees remain anxious about their futures and the potential consequences of the USDA's restructuring efforts.