The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the public comment period on its controversial reorganization plan to September 30, doubling the initial 30-day window amid growing concerns from lawmakers, employee unions, and agricultural stakeholders.

Initially posted on July 24 with a deadline of August 31, the comment period was quietly updated last week, reflecting ongoing pressure from Congress to allow more time for public input. "The additional days in the comment period are to ensure everyone who wants to submit feedback, can," said USDA spokesperson Alec Varsamis. "This aligns with our original intent to hear from our stakeholders."

The plan, which would relocate nearly 2,600 USDA employees out of Washington, D.C. and consolidate operations into five regional hubs, has drawn criticism across party lines. Leading the charge are Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), who demanded a 60-day comment window in a recent letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

What's in the Reorganization Plan?

Under the current proposal, the USDA will dramatically reduce its Washington-area presence, retaining no more than 2,000 staff, while vacating key federal properties, including the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland and one of its headquarters buildings on the National Mall. The new regional hubs will be located in:

• Raleigh, North Carolina

• Kansas City, Missouri

• Indianapolis, Indiana

• Fort Collins, Colorado

• Salt Lake City, Utah

Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden stated the move is projected to save roughly $4 billion, including $1.9 billion from the Deferred Resignation Program and $2.2 billion in avoided building maintenance. Properties to be vacated include Braddock Place in Virginia and the USDA's headquarters in Beltsville.

While USDA insists the plan will not result in widespread staff cuts, internal memos describe it as part of a broader workforce reduction strategy.

Stakeholder Reactions: Divided but Vocal

Reactions to the reorganization are sharply split. Critics argue the relocation will gut the USDA's institutional memory, slow policymaking, and reduce responsiveness to Congress, farmers, and the public. A letter reviewed by Bloomberg warns of potential fallout on food safety, nutrition programs, and farm support services.

Congressional Democrats, federal employee unions, and advocacy organizations have raised alarms. However, not all voices are critical. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and top Republican lawmakers, including Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman (R-AR) and House Agriculture Chair GT Thompson (R-PA), signaled no intent to submit feedback.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, one of the most influential ag lobbies, offered a mixed view-acknowledging the potential for improved local engagement, but urging the USDA to retain leadership functions near D.C. to preserve coordination across branches.

A Call for Input

The USDA has invited all stakeholders-employees, members of Congress, and agriculture and nutrition partners-to provide feedback via email before the new September 30 deadline.

The extension signals that, while the plan is moving forward, the department is not deaf to concerns-and may yet revise key elements based on stakeholder input.