U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on Oct. 31 that a lease in Kansas City, MO has officially been secured for the new USDA office space.
The office will be located in downtown Kansas City and will house the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
“Both agencies have been hard at work in the Beacon Center after relocating to the region over a month ago, and signing this lease is an important next step to facilitate their long-term efficiency, effectiveness, and service to our customers,” Perdue said in a statement.
“The region is not only a hub for agriculture in America’s heartland, but is also already proving to be a diverse talent pool in proximity to many land-grant and research universities.
I’m confident Kansas City will continue to be a great home for the future of ERS and NIFA.”
The two agencies’ relocation has been a topic of controversy, with critics saying the move has been an attempt to downsize the agencies.
Supporters say the move will be beneficial, both economically and by increasing proximity to other agricultural businesses.
