A federal agency that oversees and regulates all food production and inspection in the United States. The USDA establishes grade standards for commodities, conducts agricultural research, and makes results available, administers food programs, such as food stamps, and distributes food and nutrition information. The mission of the USDA is stated as “to provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.”

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=MISSION_STATEMENT