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AMS: Creating Opportunities for 

American Farmers & Businesses

AMS supports economic development and access to wholesome food by creating domestic and 

international marketing opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and businesses in the supply chain 

from farm to fork. 

Commodity Procurement

Manages the annual purchase of over $3 billion of domestically produced and processed meat, poultry, 

fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains and oilseed to support American agriculture and provide safe, nutritious food 

for a variety of federal, state and international nutrition assistance programs.

Cotton and Tobacco Program

During a typical season, classifies the entire annual U.S. production of raw cotton valued at about $7 

billion. More than 50 countries use the Program’s Universal Cotton Standards for instrument and visual 

grading of the crop. Also, grades tobacco crop insurance samples submitted by producers participating in 

USDA’s Risk Management Agency crop insurance program.

Dairy Program

Facilitates the efficient marketing of milk and dairy products in the United States and abroad by 

administering 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders, developing dairy product standards and providing grading 

services and export certification, publishing timely market statistics and economic analyses, and 

overseeing industry research and promotion programs.

Fair Trade Practices Program

Instills confidence in the U.S. agricultural marketplace by advancing and maintaining fair trade practices 

through its four divisions: Packers and Stockyards, Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), 

Warehouse and Commodity Management and Food Disclosure and Labeling.
Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Helps move our Nation’s harvest into the marketplace by providing farmers, handlers, processors, 

exporters and international buyers with tools that accurately and consistently describe the quality and 

quantity of the commodities being bought and sold.

Livestock & Poultry Program

Empowers U.S. farmers and businesses by offering voluntary services that add value and create demand for 

American meat, shell eggs, poultry and fish. Grading and auditing programs help producers ensure buyers 

understand the quality of products they purchase and increase market opportunities. Provides critical 

economic analysis and develops food specifications for Federal nutrition assistance programs.

Market News

Provides free, unbiased price and sales information to assist in the marketing and distribution of farm 

commodities. Key wholesale, retail and shipping data gives farmers, producers and other agricultural 

businesses the information they need to evaluate market conditions, make purchasing and selling 

decisions, and evaluate transportation costs.

National Organic Program

Develops and enforces national standards for organically-produced agricultural products, accredits 

certifiers and facilitates organic trade. This work assures consumers that products with the USDA organic 

seal meet consistent, uniform standards for production and distribution in this $50 billion agricultural 

sector.

Science and Technology Program

Provides scientific, certification and analytical services to the agricultural community to improve the 

quality, wholesomeness and marketing of agricultural products domestically and internationally through 

Laboratory Approval and Testing, Monitoring Programs, the Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) and the 

Seed Regulatory and Testing Division (SRTD).

Specialty Crops Program

Provides customized solutions to enhance the competitive, efficient, and transparent marketing of all 

specialty crops through industry-driven programs and agreements. Services include a full range of grading, 

inspection, certification, audit, quality assurance, and unbiased market data – providing clients and their 

customers with confidence that products are grown, processed, and distributed under the most favorable 

conditions.

Transportation and Marketing Program

Oversees grant programs focused on local and regional food systems, specialty crops, dairy and sheep 

industries. Provides market reports, analysis, technical assistance and regulatory representation on the 

movement of agricultural products via truck, rail, barge and ocean transport. Supports the expansion 

of consumer access to fresh food, including USDA’s Farmers Market in Washington, D.C., through research, 

technical assistance and online business directories.

January 2023 / www.ams.usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.