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USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Announces Targeted Organizational Improvements and Leadership Changes to Strengthen Service Delivery
Washington, D.C., June 17, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area today announced strategic, targeted organizational improvements within the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The Mission Area is also pleased to announce career Senior Executive Service member Kelly Moore, who has been Acting Administrator, has been appointed as the permanent Administrator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Reorganization
AMS administers programs that create and expand marketing opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers. More than 90 percent of its workforce is based in field positions across the country.
To enhance efficiency and better align with USDA priorities, AMS will reduce siloing in its Fair Trade Practices Program by moving commodity specific functions to the appropriate AMS commodity or service programs. For example, oversight of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act will shift to the Specialty Crops Program, and the Packers and Stockyards Division will move to the Livestock and Poultry Program.
This realignment will deepen collaboration, streamline communication, and provide industry stakeholders with a single, clear point of contact for AMS related issues.
AMS mission areas will continue uninterrupted, with no reduction in force. The agency will gradually reduce its National Capital Region footprint, with most future hiring occurring in USDA Hubs or field offices.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
In addition to the MRP changes, USDA is announcing the appointment of Kelly Moore as APHIS Administrator. This appointment provides consistent, stable leadership as targeted improvements move forward.
“Administrator Moore’s appointment provides APHIS with strong and steady leadership,” said Under Secretary Hoskins. “Her commitment to service, accountability, and partnership will help ensure APHIS continues delivering exceptional support to U.S. agriculture.”
Simultaneously, APHIS is implementing targeted changes to its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program to strengthen national plant health leadership and unify policy and operational functions, enabling faster, more consistent responses to plant health issues and emerging threats. All PPQ programs will continue without interruption and with no reduction in force nor movement of staff.
No animal or plant health programs, including personnel, are impacted by these additional announcements.
Commitment to Transparency and Stakeholder Engagement
Both AMS and APHIS remain committed to transparent communication and will continue engaging employees, partners, and stakeholders to support a smooth transition that strengthens MRP’s long-term capacity to serve U.S. agriculture and protect the Nation’s food and fiber systems.
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