the Department of Agriculture
/ðə dɪˌpɑːtmənt əv ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə(r)/
/ðə dɪˌpɑːrtmənt əv ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/
(abbreviation the USDA)
- the US government department that helps farmers and controls farming practices. It is in charge of research into such problems as plant diseases and better ways to use the land. The Department also helps the public through programmes such as its approval marks on meat and information concerning food safety.