The USDA's latest reorganization plan, spearheaded by Secretary Brooke Rollins, has alarmed farm organizations, researchers, and nutrition groups nationwide. The blueprint calls for shuttering the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC)-a premier 7,000-acre research campus in Maryland-while relocating roughly 2,600 of the 4,600 Washington, D.C.-area staff to five regional hubs in Raleigh, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City, a move criticized for dismantling long-standing expertise and services.

As of September2, 2025, the USDA extended its unofficial public comment period to September30: stakeholders now have additional time to weigh in on this consequential shift.

Stakeholder Concerns and Institutional Knowledge

Farm bureaus and cooperative groups warn that centralizing away from Washington may sever crucial ties with USDA leadership and field offices. The American Farm Bureau Federation urged maintaining decision-maker presence in D.C., while the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives stressed preserving county and regional staff to keep programs functional and responsive.

The Organic Trade Association expressed alarm over relocating National Organic Program accreditation teams from D.C., a shift they say would degrade enforcement and institutional continuity. Similarly, the Western Growers Association emphasized the value of locally based, experienced staff for specialty crop growers-a resource not easily replaced by distant hubs.

Research Risks and Safety Issues

At the heart of backlash is BARC's scientific role. Experts warn closure threatens long-term research contracts and senior scientists unlikely to follow relocation.

Moreover, BARC has faced serious safety and infrastructure concerns, with a 2023 whistleblower investigation finding mold, broken alarms, and substandard facilities-though USDA has since begun remediation and consolidation efforts.

Loss of Statistical & Nutrition Capabilities

The American Statistical Association raised red flags over moving staff from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and Economic Research Service (ERS): recalls of a 2019 relocation show how such moves sparked attrition and loss of experienced talent.

Coalitions advocating for nutrition programs underscored potential breakdowns in administering SNAP, WIC, and school meal programs, especially with reduced regional office footprints in the Northeast and West Coast.

Political and Legislative Pressure

Maryland lawmaker delegations have championed BARC's value and demanded transparency in the decision-making process, warning of legal and economic consequences. Others have called for a formal comment period via the Federal Register, citing the Administrative Procedures Act.