Trump Administration Proposes $4.9B Cut to USDA Budget

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The Trump administration is proposing a nearly 20% cut to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's discretionary budget for fiscal year 2027, outlining a sweeping plan to reduce the agency's size and redirect resources toward what it calls 'core agricultural priorities'. The $20.8 billion budget proposal represents a $4.9 billion decrease from current levels and includes measures to relocate federal employees from Washington to regional hubs, consolidate wildfire operations, and eliminate or reduce funding for various USDA programs and services.

Why it matters

The proposed USDA budget cuts are part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to reduce non-defense federal spending and reshape government agencies. While the plan aims to streamline the department and shift resources toward agriculture-focused priorities, the cuts could significantly impact rural communities, research, food aid programs, and other USDA services.

The details

The budget proposal calls for a $510 million reduction in research funding through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, with a shift toward competitive grants. It also eliminates $659 million in community facilities grants and makes steep cuts to international food aid programs like the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program. Additionally, the plan targets $82 million in reductions from the Rural Business Service and $61 million from the Agricultural Marketing Service. Staffing would also be reduced across key USDA agencies, including a projected loss of more than 25% of the Farm Service Agency workforce by 2027.

• The Trump administration released the fiscal year 2027 USDA budget proposal on April 12, 2026.

What’s next

The proposed USDA budget cuts will now go to Congress, which will ultimately determine federal spending levels for the 2027 fiscal year.