In the past week, thousands of predominantly early-career federal employees from various agencies have been laid off as part of the Trump administration’s extensive initiative to shrink the federal workforce. This reduction includes at least 19 employees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), particularly within its research and administrative sectors.
Many of those terminated were associated with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Oregon, where they collaborated with Oregon State University (OSU) at agricultural research stations in Corvallis, Newport, Hood River, Pendleton, and Burns. The Capital Press first reported on this situation.
These researchers were engaged in significant projects, including a blueberry genetic breeding program, enhancements to oyster production along the coast, weed management on grass seed farms, and initiatives focused on rangeland ecology and wildland restoration in Eastern Oregon. Additionally, some served as mentors for OSU graduate students.
The majority of the recently laid-off federal workers were probationary employees—new hires who had been with their agencies for only one or two years or had recently been promoted. There are other local USDA offices in Oregon that assist farmers with loans and various programs aimed at enhancing both environmental sustainability and financial stability for farms. A spokesperson for the USDA did not provide information regarding potential staff reductions at these locations.
The Trump administration’s cuts to agricultural programs appear to extend beyond workforce reductions. Farmers and nonprofit organizations across the nation, including those in Oregon, are currently awaiting millions of dollars in funding from the USDA that has been delayed.
These funds include reimbursement payments from popular conservation initiatives like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which farmers typically enroll in to develop conservation plans that improve wildlife habitats, enhance water quality, or reduce soil erosion.
On Thursday, the USDA announced it would honor existing contracts directly with farmers, releasing approximately $20 million in contracted payments for EQIP and other conservation programs.
The agency is also reviewing agricultural programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, ensuring that their focus remains on supporting farmers rather than on “DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] or far-left climate programs,” according to a statement issued by the agency.
