United States Department of Agriculture

2018 Plain Writing

Compliance

Report

July 1, 2019

Table of Contents 

Introduction .............................................................................................................

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2 

Agency Accomplishments 2 

Summary 20 

Appendix A: Training Compiled by Agency 21 

Appendix B: USDA Officials for Plain Writing 22 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations 

and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering 

USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender 

identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, 

income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights 

activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., 

Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s 

TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 

(800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter 

addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of 

the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

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

1 
Introduction 

Our Pledge 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to improving its service to our internal and external 

customers by writing in plain language. We use plain language in any new or substantially revised document 

that: 

• Provides information about any of our services and benefits 

• Is necessary to obtain any of our benefits or services 

• Explains how to comply with a requirement that we administer or enforce.

USDA pledges to provide our customers with information that is clear, understandable, and useful in every 

paper or electronic letter, publication, form, notice, or instruction produced by the Department. USDA’s 

commitments and plain language resources can be found on USDA’s Plain Writing Web site. 

The Report 

This report focuses on the period between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018. The Plain Writing Act of 

2010 requires that USDA write all new publications, forms, and publicly distributed documents in a manner that 

is “clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended 

audience.” On July 13, 2011, USDA published its first report, an implementing plan that detailed our goals for 

plain writing. We published our first compliance report in 2012 and every year thereafter. This year, we report on 

how we have built on our prior efforts toward meeting the goals in the Plain Writing Act. 

Read more on USDA Plain Writing Act implementing report: 

USDA’s Plain Writing Act 

http://www.usda.gov/documents/PL-Report-final.pdf. 

Agency Accomplishments 

USDA strives to convey information to the public, using plain writing principles in a variety of print and electronic media. USDA’s commitment to plain writing principles in its agency communications has resulted in 

improved performance. 

The following pages highlight a sampling of agencies’ print and electronic communications. These documents 

have been produced in a format consistent with plain writing principles and reflect the many ways the use of 

plain language assists in effectively conveying information to the public. 

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

Inform agency staff of Plain Language requirements 

Information is disseminated in staff meetings and a link to Plain Writing is available at 

https://www.ascr.usda.gov 

2 
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests 

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR) issues correspondence responding to internal 

and external customer requests or filed complaints. OASCR staff is expected to write in a way that ensures their 

audience clearly understands what is communicated. Two days of plain language training were conducted by 

a University of Texas Law School professor. One course dealt with simple business correspondence, while the 

other covered drafting final agency decisions using plain non-legal terms. The sample FOIA letter provides 

instructions to customers seeking information from OASCR under the Freedom of Information Act. 

Sample Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Letter 

[Date] 

[Return Address] 

Director 

Center for Civil Rights Enforcement 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW. 

Washington, D.C. 20250 

Dear ______ : 

Under the Freedom of Information Act, I am requesting access to [identify the records as clearly and specifically 

as possible. Include the time period applicable to the records you seek, i.e., 1 month, 2 years, etc.]. 

[Specify if you are a commercial requester, are representing an educational institution or a noncommercial 

scientific institution, are a member of the news media or a public interest group, or other.] Please supply the 

records without informing me of the cost if the fees do not exceed [$_____], which I agree to pay. [OR, if there 

are any fees charged for searching for or duplication of records, please let me know before you fill my request. 

NOTE: This option may delay the processing of your request if the cost exceeds $25. We must receive in 

writing your willingness to pay fees before we begin processing your request.] 

If you deny any part of this request, please cite each specific exemption that you rely on to justify your refusal 

to release the information and notify me of appeal procedures available under the law. 

If you have any questions concerning this request, you may contact me at the following telephone number 

[number]. 

Sincerely, 

[your signature] 

Training provided by OASCR: 

Type of Training Number of employees trained Date 

Effective Business Writing 17 1st quarter FY 2019 

Effective Legal Writing Seminar – 66 1st quarter FY 2019 

Writing Plainly – How to Do It 

3 
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services 

The Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service’s (FNCS) 15 nutrition assistance programs touch the lives of one 

in four Americans each year, from infants to the elderly. Taken together, these programs comprise America’s 

nutrition safety net. 

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides kids and teens in low-income areas free nutritious meals 

and snacks during the summer when school is not in session. To highlight a study detailing SFSP operations 

and characteristics at the State, sponsor, and site levels, the agency created an infographic to inform its many 

stakeholders. 

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Characteristics Study was the first comprehensive evaluation of 

the program since 2003. The study was designed to describe SFSP operations and characteristics at the State, 

sponsor, and site levels. Survey data was collected in the summer of 2015 from a census of all 50 States, the 

District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; a nationally representative sample of 307 SFSP 

sponsors; and a nationally representative sample of 320 SFSP sites. 

This infographic conveys the results of the study in a way that is quickly consumed and easily understood, and 

in lieu of publication of a technical research report. 

4 
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children 

WIC, or officially the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, serves lowincome pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional 

risk. To provide a “101” for all those immersed and interested in the program, the agency developed one-pagers 

not just for WIC, but for all its programs that enable USDA and FNCS to “do right and feed everyone.” 

United States Department of Agriculture 

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program 

for Women, Infants, and Children 

What Is the Special Supplemental Nutrition 

Program for Women, Infants, and Children? 

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, 

Infants, and Children (WIC) serves low-income pregnant, 

postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children 

up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. WIC provides 

participants with nutritious foods to supplement participant 

diets, nutrition education, and referrals to health and other 

social services. 

Who Administers WIC? 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and 

Nutrition Service (FNS) administers WIC at the Federal level. 

At the State level, WIC is administered by 90 State agencies, 

including all 50 States, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, 

American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto 

Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Services are provided at a variety 

of local clinic locations including, but not limited to, county 

health departments, hospitals, schools, and Indian Health 

Service facilities. 

How Does WIC Work? 

WIC participants receive benefits to purchase items from 

a food package tailored to their specific nutritional needs. 

They also receive nutrition education, including breastfeeding 

support, and referrals to other health care services as needed 

through their local WIC clinic. 

In some WIC State agencies, participants receive benefits via 

paper checks or vouchers. Other State agencies issue benefits 

via a debit-type card known as electronic benefit transfer 

(EBT). However, all WIC State agencies have been mandated 

to implement WIC EBT statewide by October 1, 2020. 

WIC benefits are generally utilized at retailers such as 

authorized grocery stores or WIC-only stores. However, in 

some rural or remote locations, such as Alaska, food may be 

delivered to a participant’s home. 

How Can People Participate in WIC? 

Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, 

and children up to age 5 who meet certain requirements 

are eligible. These requirements include income eligibility 

and State residency. Additionally, the applicant must be 

individually determined to be at “nutritional risk” by a health 

professional or a trained health official. 

Where Can I Go To Learn More About WIC? 

To learn more, visit: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/about-wicwic-glance. To find the WIC offices serving your area, go to: 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/contacts. 

Whom at FNS Can I Contact To Discuss WIC? 

Please call FNS Division of External and Governmental Affairs 

at 703-305-2281. 

Key Special Supplemental Nutrition 

Program for Women, Infants, and 

Children Data FY 2013 FY 2014 FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 

(estimate) 

Participation (in thousands) 8,663 8,258 8,024 7,696 7,286 

Total cost (in millions)* $6,501.7 $6,354.2 $6,222.7 $5,979.0 $5,639.4 

* Includes food costs, administrative funding, and funds for program evaluation, Farmers’ 

Market Nutrition Program, special projects, and infrastructure. 

FY=Fiscal Year 

December 2018, FNS-809 

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

5 
Food Safety 

Food Safety Inspection Service 

The Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) works to protect the public’s health by ensuring the safety of meat, 

poultry, and processed egg products. To meet that critical responsibility, it’s imperative that their messages are 

delivered clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner. 

In 2018, the agency launched a comprehensive 

campaign to notify consumers and consumer educators 

of FSIS’ first annual observational study on food safety 

conducted in a test kitchen. This included emphasizing 

handwashing and many other safety behaviors. To 

share these healthy practices, agency communicators 

used press releases, blogs, graphics, social media, and 

presentations, all developed with accessible, readerfriendly content. 

Infographics and posters are key tools to reach FSIS 

audiences through both traditional and social media 

platforms. Examples included food safety tips for 

Thanksgiving, pregnancy, and weddings, as well as for 

specific foods like chicken livers. 

In addition to the infographic, FSIS communicators 

designed a poster on chicken liver-associated outbreaks 

and contamination. 

Chefs, Cooks, and Caterers:

Cook Chicken Liver Like It’s Chicken (It Is) 

Cook Chicken Liver to 165oF 

Always Cook Chicken Liver All the Way Through 

Use a food thermometer 

(you can’t tell by looking) 

Cook the inside of the liver 

to 165oF, just like you would 

for other chicken parts 

Bacteria Inside + Partial Cooking = Recipe for Illness 

You might be 

used to leaving 

the middle rare 

when cooking 

chicken liver 

for pâté and 

similar dishes. 

But Campylobacter is 

a type of bacteria that 

can live inside chicken 

liver. If the middle 

isn’t cooked to 165oF, 

bacteria can survive 

and cause illness. 

most often 

cramps, diarrhea 

(sometimes 

bloody), fever 

less often 

life-threatening illness, 

or even death 

At higher risk 

proper Cooking Can Prevent Illnesses 

U.S. outbreaks from eating 

undercooked chicken liver 

are on the rise. Most are 

associated with restaurants. 

In one outbreak, the restaurant 

went out of business after 

customers ate undercooked 

chicken liver and got sick. 

Chefs, cooks, and caterers 

are key to helping prevent 

these outbreaks. 

CS296272A

PROTECT YOUR CUSTOMERS 

AND YOUR RESTAURANT 

BY COOKING CHICKEN LIVER TO 165oF 

165o 

165o 

6 
Marketing and Regulatory Programs

Agricultural Marketing Service 

The Agricultural Marketing Service 

(AMS) administers programs that create 

domestic and international marketing 

opportunities for U.S. producers of food, 

fiber, and specialty crops. To best reach 

their targeted contacts, AMS provides 

employees and leadership with an 

accessible guide on developing content 

with plain language. The Plain Language 

Playbook is a useful ‘takeaway’ that 

follows formal plain language training, 

and is used as a vital reference for every 

member of the agency. 

To benefit its customers, The Playbook 

advises agency employees on how to write 

their products with the highest level of 

clarity. The resource also reminds them 

to write for their audience and provide 

the information their customers need; use 

headings and subheadings to help guide 

the reader; avoid jargon and acronyms; 

and use the simplest and fewest possible 

words. 

The U.S. food supply is one of the safest 

in the world, and AMS takes great pride in 

its role to ensure consumers can trust the 

foods they buy. Thanks to products like 

the Pesticide Data Program infographic, 

millions of Americans are better informed 

about safety levels for the foods they 

consume. 

7 

United States Department of Agriculture 

Agricultural Marketing Service 

PLAIN 

LANGUAGE

BASICS 

Simple, clear writing

explained 

May 2018 

United States 

Department of

Agriculture 

The Pesticide Data 

Program (PDP) tests U.S. 

foods & products for pesticide 

residues. Residues are small 

amounts of pesticides that may 

99

remain on/in food after being used 

on the food crop

%

. PDP data show that 

of pesticide residues

are at safe levels.

This makes the U.S. food supply 

one of the world’s safest. 

PDP data ensure that: 

-Consumers can trust the foods they buy 

-EPA, FDA & other federal agencies can 

make informed decisions on food safety 

-Producers & processors have the 

right tools for crop protection & 

export 

Produce, meat, dairy, eggs Grains, almonds, peanut butter 

Bottled water & drinking water Baby foods & formulas

Over 

foods & products 

have been tested 

120

10,000

samples 

tested yearly 

500

compounds

analyzed, including 

insecticides, fungicides, 

herbicides & growth regulators 

33 million

test results online 

at PDP Data App, showing 

data from 1994­2017 

PDP focuses on 

testing foods most 

consumed by 

Infants & 

children

More about PDP at www.ams.usda.gov/datasets/PDP 

Agricultural Marketing Service, April 2019 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer & lender. 

Over
-

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is a multi-faceted 

agency with a broad mission area that includes protecting and 

promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered 

organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out 

wildlife damage management activities. These efforts support the 

overall mission of USDA, which is to protect and promote food, 

agriculture, natural resources, and related issues. 

To protect agricultural health, APHIS is on the job 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week, working to defend America’s animal and plant resources from agricultural pests and diseases. 

For example, if the Mediterranean fruit fly and Asian Longhorn beetle – two major agricultural pests – were left 

unchecked, the result would be several billion dollars in production and marketing losses annually.

African Swine Fever 

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs 

of all ages. It is not a threat to human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans, nor is it a food 

safety issue. ASF is found around the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. More recently, it has spread 

through China, Mongolia, Vietnam, and within parts of the European Union. It has never been found in the 

United States – and we want to keep it that way. 

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the system the U.S. Government uses to process imports 

and exports. Importers can now use ACE to submit APHIS-required import data for Agency-regulated products. 

If you have questions, please call 1-844-820-2234 or link to us from the information provided at the bottom of 

both infographics. 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

What Is the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE)? 

ACE allows businesses to electronically 

submit the import data required by U.S. 

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and 

its partner Government agencies, including 

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS). 

ACE automates and streamlines manual 

processes, eliminating paper. 

The new system will allow importers to 

comply with U.S. laws and regulations more 

easily and efficiently. 

The Automated 

Commercial Environment 

Filers are responsible for developing or 

acquiring the software needed to support 

the functional aspects of ACE, including the 

preparation, electronic filing, and, as necessary, 

printing of required forms. 

Government-to-Government 

certificates—phytosanitary and 

veterinary certificates—must still 

be presented in their original 

paper format. 

ACE IS AVAILABLE FOR USE NOW. 

ACE is currently optional for those importing APHIS-regulated products. Because ACE will eventually become 

mandatory, we encourage importers to contact their broker to learn more and start using it as soon as possible. 

Why Should I Use ACE? 

Accuracy 

ACE allows CBP and 

APHIS to collect 

more complete and 

accurate data, providing 

more control over 

products entering the 

United States. 

Speed 

ACE speeds up 

entry processing, 

streamlining the 

process and allowing 

products to be 

released quickly. 

Validation 

If the data does not 

pass validations or if 

certain data is missing, 

filers receive an error 

response, allowing 

them to correct errors 

before they delay the 

release of a shipment. 

Improvement 

ACE gives importers 

the chance to 

troubleshoot and 

improve their 

own processes. 

For more information, email us at ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov. 

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 

How To Get Started With ACE 

The Automated Commercial 

Environment (ACE) is a single portal 

system designed to electronically 

collect and distribute import data that 

the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security’s Customs and Border 

Protection (CBP) and its partner 

Government agencies (PGAs) require. 

CBP uses ACE to collect import data 

traditionally collected on paper, consolidating 

it and adding data elements into what are 

known as message sets. 

ACE OR PAPER? 

USE ACE 

USE PAPER 

for import information on commodities 

regulated by USDA's Animal and Plant 

Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that 

require entry documentation—certain 

animal and plant products, germplasm, soil, 

among others. 

for Government-to-Government 

certificates, such as phytosanitary and 

veterinary health certificates. 

GETTING STARTED WITH ACE DEPENDS ON WHETHER OR NOT YOU USE A BROKER. 

If you have a BROKER 

+ 

Contact your broker to determine if they are able 

1 to electronically file APHIS import data through 

ACE. CBP works with 47 PGAs, all with unique needs, 

so it is important to verify that your broker has the 

ability to file APHIS-specific import data in message 

set formats. 

2 If the broker is not prepared to submit APHIS-required 

data through the message set, they will need to work 

with an ACE-approved software vendor to obtain 

the appropriate software. 

3 For each shipment you will need to provide your 

broker with all the required documentation so they 

can file the relevant information through ACE. 

4 If you have questions about APHIS import 

requirements, go to APHIS’ import/export web page at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport or 

call the Customer Service Center at 1-844-820-2234. 

5 If your broker has technical questions about filing 

APHIS data in ACE, email the APHIS ACE team at 

ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov. 

If you are a SELF FILER

1 If you do not wish to use a third-party broker to file 

import data through ACE on your behalf, you must 

obtain the appropriate software to file APHIS data 

in ACE. 

If you choose to purchase software, make sure the 

2 software is approved for submitting data to ACE. 

You can find a list of ACE-approved software vendors 

at www.cbp.gov/document/guidance/abi-softwarevendors-list. 

3 When contacting a vendor, you must ensure their 

software supports APHIS import data requirements. 

ACE services 47 PGAs, so it is important that any 

software you purchase supports APHIS’ unique needs. 

When choosing a software vendor, make sure 

4 your purchase includes technical support. ACE 

data requirements will change over time, and 

software vendors will need to provide updates and 

technical support. 

5 If you have questions about APHIS import 

requirements, go to APHIS’ import/export web page at 

www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport or 

call the Customer Service Center at 1-844-820-2234. 

6 If you have technical questions about filing 

APHIS data in ACE, email the APHIS ACE team at 

ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov. 

If you choose not to file ACE data electronically, 

7 you will need to provide all your import information 

in paper form, which may result in slower customs 

review and increased costs due to: longer review 

time for paper submissions, potential for lost and/or 

delayed paperwork, and inability to anticipate issues. 

For more information, email us at ace.itds@aphis.usda.gov. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity 

provider, employer, and lender. 

PPQ-18-002 

8 
Natural Resources and Environment 

Forest Service 

The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires all Federal agencies to write “clear government communication that the 

public can understand and use.” Since its inception, the agency has worked to: 

• Raise awareness about plain writing requirements and the need to improve writing at all levels of the agency. 

• Emphasize the need for clear, concise writing in all materials whether internal or external, such as briefing 

papers, publications, web content, story maps, speeches, and correspondence. 

• Improve the document clearance process to include evaluation of clarity, which also provides employees a 

real-time learning experience. 

• Encourage employees to take advantage of AgLearn and other outlets 

for plain language-related courses such as grammar, business writing, 

editing, and rulemaking. 

• Incorporate plain language tenets into digital products, such as social 

media, video, audio, and web content. 

The Forest Service is committed to producing agency documents 

in compliance with the Plain Language Act. We also are working to 

ensure every employee understands that clear writing is a requirement 

and an essential tool to ensure that the work we do is readily 

understood and better connects the public to our work. 

Rocky Mountain Research Station 

Environmental DNA improves tracking of rare carnivores 

An innovative new project has found that animal footprints contain 

enough DNA to allow for species identification. Scientists have traditionally relied on snow tracks and camera traps to monitor populations 

of rare carnivores, like Canada lynx, fishers (a small carnivore native to

North America), and wolverines. These traditional techniques can tell 

part of the story; but, validating species’ identification can be difficult. 

To remedy this, USDA’s 

Forest Service led a study 

that collected snow samples within animal tracks 

from known locations. 

DNA was taken from the 

samples and analyzed with 

the latest technology to 

identify each species. The 

Forest Service detected 

DNA of each species from 

the various snow samples. 

The success of this method 

could greatly reduce or 

9 
eliminate wrong or missed detections. 

The Natural Enquirer, a science magazine, is a collaboration 

among USDA’s Forest Service, the Cradle of Forestry in America 

Interpretive Association, and other cooperators and partners. The 

online publication has a mix of content that reaches pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school students. Within the Natural 

Enquirer is a Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire monograph series 

based on peer-reviewed journal articles that examine research on 

large wildland fires and their connection to climate and weather. 

Land and Water Conservation Fund 

Created by Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation 

Fund (LWCF) provides money to Federal, State and local governments to purchase land, water, and wetlands for the benefit of all 

Americans. From majestic forests and snowcapped mountains, to 

wild rivers and stunning beaches, these acquisitions become part of 

your national forests. 

Water is one of the most important natural resources flowing from 

forests. The Forest Service manages the largest single source of water in the U.S., with about one-fifth originating from 193 million acres of land. 

A network of water and watershed resource specialists support stewardship efforts at all levels of the organization to promote healthy, sustainable watersheds fundamental to ecosystems and people. 

10 
Research, Education and Economics 

The Research, Education, and Economics (REE) 

Mission Area is dedicated to the creation of a safe, 

sustainable, competitive U.S. food and fiber system 

and building vibrant, healthy communities, families, 

and youth programs through integrated research, 

analysis, and education. 

Agricultural Research Service 

REE’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 

launched “TellUs,” a new online communications 

platform that replaced its legacy AgResearch 

online magazine. The conversion took months of 

reimagining and development to bring a fresh source 

of agricultural information to clients worldwide. In 

addition to informative stories about ARS research, 

TellUs includes new products like featured photos, 

infographics, photo essays, and videos. The site’s 

content covers a variety of topics from field to fork, 

ranging from human nutrition and food safety, to crop 

and animal production. 

ARS By the Numbers 

11 
Economic Research Service 

This recent infographic by REE’s Economic Research 

Service (ERS) illustrates trends in food product recalls

in the United States over a 10-year period. 

Other ERS plain writing efforts to increase 

comprehension and customer satisfaction include: 

• Economic research monographs released via 

the agency’s website, drawing more than 2.4 

million unique visitors in 2018. Target Audience: 

Policymakers, academia, and informed laypeople. 

• Market outlook newsletters released monthly via 

ERS’ website. Target Audience: Policymakers and 

commercial agriculture companies. 

• Amber Waves e-zine and infographics released 

monthly via the agency’s website. Target Audience: 

Policymakers and informed laypeople. 

• ERS Publishing Guide and ERS Writing Guide, 

revised in 2018. Target audience: Agency researchers, 

editors, and designers. 

• Tweets and Charts of Note: To date, ERS posts 

tweets to more than 30,000 Twitter followers each 

day, and publishes Charts of Note. See “Charting the 

Essentials” (lower right) at https://www.ers.usda.gov/ 

data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-theessentials/, an annual compendium of these charts. 

Target audience: General public, policymakers, 

academia, and commercial agriculture stakeholders. 

Trends in 

FOOD 

RECALLS

Trends in

FOOD

USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) 

and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

are the primary Federal agencies responsible for 

overseeing the safety of food sold in the United States. 

Both agencies engage in preventive actions to protect 

consumers from unsafe foods, including overseeing 

food product recalls—the removal of risky food 

products from the U.S. marketplace. 

Number of food recalls, 2004-13 

From 2004 through 2013, 

there were 4,900 food recalls 

in the United States. 

TOTAL RECALLS 4,900

646 FSIS regulates meat, 

poultry, and processed egg 

products. The agency 

oversaw 646 recalls. 

4,254 FDA regulates all other 

foods. The agency 

oversaw 4,254 recalls.

Recalls are announced by 

manufacturers or distributors 

and may include multiple 

recalled items. 

2004 to 2013 included several highly publicized 

foodborne illness outbreaks linked to contaminated 

products, notably spinach (2006), peanut butter 

(2009), eggs (2010), and cantaloupe (2011). 

Congress also enacted two major pieces of food safety 

legislation: th e Food Allergen Labeling and 

Consumer Protection Act of 2004, which requires all 

food labels to list major allergens; and the 2011 Food 

Safety Modernization Act, which gives FDA authority 

to impose mandatory recalls and, if necessary, shut 

down operations at food processing plants. 

Share of food recalls by food product category, 2004-13 

16% 14% 11% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 5% 4% 12%

16% 14% 11% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 5% 4% 12%

Meat, poultry, 

and seafood 

Prepared foods 

and meals 

Nuts and 

seeds 

Vegetables Baked 

goods 

Dairy Grains, breads, 

and cereals 

Candy Fruit Beverages Other 

foods 

accounted for 41 percent of all recall events f rom 2004 through 2013. 

Note:  The sum of percentages exceeds 100 because some recall events include items in more than one category. 

16% 14% 11% 9% 9% 9% 8% 8% 5% 4% 12% 

Food recalls by reason, 2004-13 

From 2004 through 2013, 

contamination from disease- causing pathogens accounted for 

41% of all recalls 

and undeclared allergens accounted for 

27% of all recalls

The average number 

of allergen recalls 

nearly doubled 

over the decade. 

Number of recalls 

0 

200 

400 

600 

800 

1,000 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 

2009 was an exceptional year because of a 

peanut butter recall linked to a Salmonella 

outbreak. Since peanut butter and peanut 

paste are common ingredients in cookies, 

crackers, cereal, candy, and other foods, 

over 400 separate recalls occurred as 

a consequence. 

Note: Mislabeling refers to labeling errors, including undeclared food additives. Other reasons 

include processing defects, the presence of extraneous materials, and other risks. 

Pathogen 

contamination 

Undeclared 

allergens 

Mislabeling Other 

reasons 

Geographic distribution of regional 

food recalls, 2004-13 

Most food recalls are regional in nature. 

From 2004 through 2013, only 25 percent of recalls 

included products intended for nationwide distribution. 

The remaining recalls included distribution areas that 

ranged from a single city or county to dozens of States, 

with the average regional recall impacting five States. 

California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and 

Florida—the six most populous States—experienced 

the greatest number of recalls. 

251 ­ 500 

88 ­ 125 

126 ­ 250 

501 ­ 800 

801 ­ 1,004 

Number of regional recalls 

Source for all figures: USDA, Economic Research Service 

calculations using U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

and USDA, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) press 

releases, FSIS Recall Notification Repor ts, and FDA 

Enforcement Reports. 

For more information, see the USDA, Economic Research Service report 

Trends in Food Recalls: 2004­13 by Elina T. Page, April 2018. 

Author Elina T. Page • Designer Curtia Taylor • Date June 2018 

United States Department of Agriculture 

Economic Research Service 

www.ers.usda.gov 

12 
National Agricultural Statistics 

Service 

ERS’ National Agricultural Statistics Service 

(NASS) continues to speak with data providers and 

users, the general public, and staff in clear, easy-tounderstand, and engaging ways. 

As USDA’s statistical agency, NASS’ mission is to 

collect timely, accurate, and useful data about the 

U.S. agriculture sector from producers and others 

in agriculture. Communicating clearly with those 

who provide the data on why their participation 

matters – to the Nation, the agriculture sector, 

their communities, and their own operations – is 

essential. 

Census Products: Simple, Direct Messaging Key 

to Successful Data Collection 

The Issue. In addition to its regular survey work, 

NASS conducted the 2017 Census of Agriculture 

in 2018, a once-every-five-year effort to reach 

every producer in the Nation with operations that 

sell or normally sell at least $1,000 in agricultural 

product. This involved an initial mailing to 3 

million potential producers, including many with 

whom NASS does not have regular contact. 

The Tools. NASS created a suite of tools to encourage participation. The Census of Agriculture rack cards, 

for instance, provide enumerators with talking points during field visits and serve as reader-friendly, engaging 

reminder notices for producers. 

An email footer keeps the data collection message front and center as NASS conducts census follow-on studies 

and highlights the release of the data (continued on page 14). 

13 
Results. The Census of Agriculture had a 72 percent 

response rate, with nearly one-fourth of producers 

responding online. 

Improved Online Access 

The Issue. In terms of data collection and preparing 

for release of census data, NASS took steps to 

make the online experience easier, faster, and more 

engaging. 

Online Response Form. A new, state-of-the-art 

NASS online response form was distributed in 2018. 

The Census of Agriculture questionnaire was sent 

to approximately 3 million agriculture contacts, 

requesting detailed information on their farm or ranch 

operation, output, and 2017 income. The modern form 

is accessible on any device, calculates automatically, 

and skips questions that do not apply. 

The proportion of those who responded online was 

more than 10 percent higher in 2017 than in 2012. The 

form is being expanded for use in all NASS national 

surveys and is expected to grow the proportion of 

producers who respond online. 

Merging the Ag Census and NASS Websites. In 

advance of releasing 2017 Census of Agriculture Data 

(bottom right), NASS fully integrated the Census 

of Agriculture website https://www.nass.usda.gov/ 

AgCensus/ into its primary website to provide a 

consistent look and feel. Merging the websites was a 

response to feedback from customers, stakeholders, 

and partners, who prefer to access all NASS data in 

the same visit, including on mobile devices. 

Making the Data Fun 

Most of NASS’ work involves producing data critical 

for a detailed, reliable picture of U.S. agriculture. 

That data contains the story of what Americans 

eat, grow, wear, and treasure. Sometimes NASS 

likes to present the numbers in fun ways that relate 

directly to Americans’ homes and daily choices. This 

“Statistically Delicious Peach Pie” infographic, for 

example, shows how much of the dessert’s ingredients 

were produced by American farmers. 

14 
Office of the Chief Scientist 

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) provides 

leadership and coordination to ensure that scientific 

research supported by USDA and presented to 

external stakeholders is held to the highest standards 

of intellectual rigor and scientific integrity. 

OCS strives to inform policy and programmatic 

decisions within the Department by providing the 

best available scientific advice and input; establish 

appropriate linkages between USDA and other 

science-performing organizations in government 

(U.S. and abroad), academia, and industry; and ensure 

the dissemination of USDA science to stakeholders 

across the spectrum of policy making nationally and 

internationally. 

On June 27 and 28, 2018, the U.S. Departments 

of Agriculture and Energy co-hosted a workshop 

in Washington, D.C., that engaged stakeholders, 

experts, and researchers nationwide on the 

potential for indoor agriculture to address global 

environmental challenges. Participants collaborated 

to identify research and development challenges, 

opportunities, and needs relating to six major areas: 

Community Services, Plant Breeding, Economics, 

Pest Management, Ecosystem Services, and Systems 

Engineering (Click below to read the full report). 

United States 

Department of

Agriculture 

February 

2019 

RESEARCH AND 

DEVELOPMENT 

POTENTIALS IN 

INDOOR 

AGRICULTURE AND 

SUSTAINABLE 

URBAN 

ECOSYSTEMS 

WORKSHOP REPORT 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Chief Scientist & U.S. 

Department of Energy, Bioenergy Technologies Office | Washington D.C. 

15 
16

Rural Development

Rural Housing Service

Nearly 60 million Americans live in rural areas. The 

Rural Housing Service (RHS), an element of USDA’s 

Rural Development, offers a variety of programs to 

build or improve housing and essential community 

facilities in those areas. The Agency offers loans, 

grants, and loan guarantees for single- and multifamily housing (MFH), child care centers, fire and 

police stations, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, 

schools, first responder vehicles and equipment, 

housing for farm laborers, and much more.

RHS provides technical assistance loans and grants 

in partnership with non-profit organizations, Indian 

tribes, State and Federal Government agencies, 

and local communities. (Loan Packaging Express 

infographic bottom right)

In September 2018, RHS announced funding to 

address opioid misuse. RHS reserved $5 million in 

the Community Facilities Grant Program and gives 

priority to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant 

Program applications proposing innovative projects to 

address the epidemic in rural communities.

Via GovDelivery, stakeholders of multi-family 

housing can keep up to date on new policy guidance 

by signing up for program updates at https://public.

govdelivery.com/accounts/USDARD/signup/10420. 

Once you enter your email address on this link, you 

will automatically be enrolled to receive all general 

announcements.

How can USDA help address the opioid epidemic?

USDA has tools to help rural America respond to the opioid epidemic including:

• Resources for prevention, treatment and recovery

• Programs to build upstream resilience and prosperity for the future 

HOUSING 

E-CONNECTIVITY WATER 

EDUCATION 

ELECTRICITY ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES 

TRANSPORTATION 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

RECOVERY HOUSING 

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 

MOBILE TREATMENT CENTER

FIRST RESPONDER FACILITIES 

TELEMEDICINE 

HOSPITAL 

TREATMENT CLINIC 

LAW ENFORCEMENT 

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Rural Development 

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

Loan Packaging Express

VOLUME I | ISSUE II | DECEMBER 2018 

TEAMS Realize Dreams

Football season is upon us, and if you have 

ever watched a game, you know that a 

football team is comprised of 11 people on the 

field with specific roles to play. Backing them 

up are 42 additional players who can be called 

in to give a team member a rest, or replace 

an injured player. Additionally, teams have 

coaching personnel and a significant support 

staff who manage the field, equipment, wash 

the uniforms, keep the stadium lights on, and 

make sure that the “12th man” (the fans), have 

plenty of concessions and entertainment 

during breaks in the game. 

To be a winning team, each person knows 

their role and each performs to the best of 

their ability. Regardless of how skilled the 

players may be, if the person tasked with 

keeping the lights on in the stadium decides 

not to replace the light bulbs... the team 

won’t perform well in the dark; and if the 

wide receiver decides to run a play that wasn’t 

called in the huddle, the quarterback will 

throw the ball but no one will be there to 

catch it and score the winning touchdown. 

The most successful teams have defined the 

roles, trained their team members to perform 

their roles, and then most importantly: they 

COMMUNICATE with each other. If a play does 

not work on the field, the team watches the 

tapes and talks about how to improve the play 

in the future. If the uniforms are not washed, 

the equipment manager will call the laundry 

service and have a conversation to iron out the 

details so it does not happen again. Without 

communication, regardless of how talented 

the individual players are, the team will not 

realize their dream of a championship. 

When packaging applications, there are often 

many moving parts: the packager is working 

with an applicant who may be working 

with a Realtor and a seller; the intermediary 

is working with the certified packager, the 

qualified employer, and Rural Development; 

Self-Help grantees are coordinating supplies 

and construction schedules with vendors 

and sub-contractors; Rural Development 

is working with local code officials and 

appraisers and obtaining funds for the loan. 

Each person has a distinct role to play and we 

all strive to do our best in that role. HB-1-3550, 

Chapter 3, Attachment 3-A is the document 

which defines our packaging roles, training 

can be found on the Direct Loan Application 

Packagers page, and we all have the 

responsibility to communicate. If something 

is not working well – define the issue, make 

recommendations for improvement, and 

revise the “play”. If the issue is local in nature, 

talk with your local field or state office. If 

you are an intermediary or a Technical and 

Management Assistance (T&MA) contractor, 

include the national office in discussions, as 

we may need to share the information with 

other parties. If you are a Rural Development 

employee with a question about an 

application, make sure to include all of the 

applicable players: applicant, packager, and/

or intermediary.

By communicating with each other, we 

resolve issues, improve program delivery, 

streamline processing and most importantly: 

assist customers to achieve their dream of 

homeownership. We may not walk away with 

a championship ring, but working as a team, 

we will leave a legacy of affordable housing in 

our communities. 

Thank you for your efforts to provide 

affordable housing opportunities in rural 

areas. If you have questions or suggestions, 

please contact me at (360) 999-0251 or by 

email at Tammy.Repine@wdc.usda.gov.

Tammy Repine 

SFH Finance and Loan Analyst, USDA

“I just love my little home!” — Katherine Courtney

The 502 program is a lifeline for lowincome families in eastern Kentucky. 

Katherine Courtney is just one example of 

how 502 program assistance is making life 

better for families there.

Inside this issue:

TEAMS Realize Dreams.........................1

USDA Spotlights.....................................2

Homeownership Education Works..3

Pathfinder in Indiana.............................3

Oregonians Get Housing Help...........4

Self-Help Never Felt So Good.............4
17

Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs

Foreign Agricultural Service

Representing the Trade and Foreign Agricultural 

Affairs, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) 

continues to deliver the most candid communications 

and concise information to the public and its 

business customers/stakeholders via its website, 

https://www.fas.usda.gov/. From inviting visitors 

to “stay connected,” providing access to the latest 

reports, or presenting up-to-date agency news, 

our customers are no more than a click away to 

accessing vital information. FAS persistently restricts 

lengthy text and articles; eliminates unnecessary 

acronyms, abbreviations, and jargon; and utilizes 

more tables, infographics, and photographs to 

improve communication with the public and ensure 

all researchers are aware of FAS’s collective 

accomplishments.

The volume of information available on the FAS 

website is the result of many hours of editing and 

collaboration between public affairs staff and subject 

matter experts from various program offices. This 

assures a product that is informative and useful 

to industry experts, FAS employees, interrelated 

Government Agencies, and novice readers worldwide. 

FAS’ public affairs team also edit and/or enhance 

the graphs, tables, and charts in each report to verify 

readability, interpretation, and adherence to proper 

data visualization standards. By applying plain 

writing best practices, the public affairs staff provides 

a cohesive story and valuable information on the 

success of our programs and the benefits to U.S. 

agriculture.

Through the use of imagery, infographics are an 

effective means to provide context to our programs. 

The Philly Cheesesteak is a favorite of ours in the 

social media space during National Sandwich Month. 

The recent U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has been 

expanded to provide up-to-the-minute information to 

interested parties. 
18

Office of Communications

One of the Office of Communications’ (OC) primary 

functions is editorial review of news releases, 

publications, op-eds and other materials prepared by 

USDA agencies. OC hires communications experts 

based, in part, on their writing and editing ability and 

experience. USDA policy and procedure require OC 

staff to review public materials, ensuring adherence 

to plain writing is built into the process before public 

release.

OC writers and editors review and clear all 

publications released to the public for clarity, 

appropriateness, quality, and compliance with Federal 

publishing policies. OC press coordinators review 

publications for accuracy and consistency with 

departmental programs and policies.

OC coordinators review press releases for clear 

delivery of messages to intended audiences.

OC speechwriters are also hired for their ability 

to break down highly technical subjects for nontechnical audiences, and plain writing is integral to the 

process.

OC’s digital communications team uses plain 

language for user interface, allowing users to easily 

understand content navigation. The site is designed 

with clarity to ensure users can easily complete 

tasks. Web communications are organized logically 

for readers in manageable segments, with carefully 

considered use of space, alignment, and fonts.

OC’s photographers tag and enter meta-data for each 

image descriptively and in plain language.

OC’s 508 compliance coordinator works to ensure 

posted content is clear, concise, and accessible. 

OC’s social media manager writes clear, concise 

sentences using an active voice. Camel case is used 

for multi-word hashtags, making it easier for readers 

and screen readers to understand content. The use of 

hashtags, abbreviations, and acronyms are avoided for 

accessibility.

Office of Budget and Program Analysis

The Office of Budget and Program Analysis is 

updating USDA’s Departmental Regulation (DR1512) on Regulatory Review and Clearance. The DR 

will use simple, easy-to-follow infographics for our 

internal USDA customers. With this update, new and 

existing USDA regulatory officers and rule writers 

will quickly get the information they need without 

having to decipher wordy, often lengthy requirements. 

The DR was last updated in 1997.

Office of the General Counsel

Attorney and non-attorney staff participated in a 

Legal Writing training workshop taught by an outside 

provider. Non-Attorney staff participated in a webbased training for Business and Legal writing.
19

Office of the Inspector General

As part of our continuing effort to communicate 

better with the public, USDA’s Office of the Inspector 

General (OIG) continues to improve its design of 

the Semiannual Report to Congress, one of our most 

important publications. This document was redesigned 

according to the principles of plainlanguage.gov. 

Beginning in fiscal year 2017, we transitioned to a 

much more visual look that relied on infographics to 

convey the same complex material. As you’ll see with 

the Activities Summary/Audit infographic below, OIG 

has built upon the progress established last year and 

further streamlined our infographics to provide quick 

and easy access to vital statistics from the past year.

OIG Training

Every year, we instruct staff on how to plainly 

and clearly communicate OIG’s work internally to 

USDA, and externally to the public, shareholders, 

and Congress. This past year, we presented to 

approximately 300 employees at three regional 

professional development conferences. Presentations 

focused on streamlining business writing (including 

emails); providing appropriate context to technical 

reports; offering plain language best practices; and 

drafting concise summaries on complex audit report 

content.
Summary

20

Plain writing is an essential method of ensuring that 

our customers understand our programs and services 

and are able to easily retrieve information. In keeping 

with our commitment, USDA will continue to raise 

awareness about requirements of plain writing at all 

levels of the Department. We will ensure processes are 

in place so that information is clear and concise and 

readily available for our customers.

Adherence to plain writing principles has helped 

USDA communicate more clearly and effectively with 

the customers we serve–the American people. USDA 

has enjoyed consistent and positive reception for its 

thoroughness in conveying its programs, services, 

and public-facing communications in an organized, 

visually appealing, and understandable format. 

USDA maintains this standard of excellence by

1) Continuing improvements in technology

2) Staying on the cutting edge of web design and 

using various social mediums to keep our presence 

“fresh” and to ensure a pleasant and informative 

online experience for our customers

3) Trading wordy, technical and/or legal jargon for 

simple, clear, and concise language; and, most 

importantly

4) Welcoming feedback from our internal employees 

and external customers

USDA, again, commits to adhering to the Plain 

Language Act and providing first class service. 
21

 Course Name

Number of 

employees 

trained

Drupal Training Content Strategy, Plain Language, Section 508, and Using Drupal 51

FSIS-Plain Language Writing 14

Introduction to Plain Language 1024

Legal Writing in Plain English - Part 1 9

NRCS Plain Language Webinar 74

Plain Writing Training for OGC 27

Principles of Plain Language 9

The Plain Writing Act 619

Writing in Plain English 15

Total 1842

Appendix A: Plain Language Training Compiled 

by Course
Appendix B: USDA Officials for Plain Writing

22

USDA is comprised of 17 governing agencies and 

nearly 100,000 employees who serve the American 

people at more than 4,500 locations across the country

and abroad. To lead implementation of the Act and to 

ensure USDA’s compliance with it, a working group 

of agency representatives was created. These officials 

ensure that their agency or office uses plain language 

in public documents. 

We are committed at the highest levels to complying 

fully with the Act. Secretary Perdue recognizes the 

importance of using plain language to provide highquality customer service every day for American 

taxpayers and consumers. 

USDA’s Senior Official for Plain Writing:

Ms. Jeanette P. Whitener

Executive Secretariat to the Department

Office: (202) 720-7100 
23

USDA Officials for Plain Writing 

Agency/Office Plain Writing Agency Official Plain Writing Coordinators

Assistant Secretary for Civil 

Rights (OASCR)

Winona Lake Scott Joelle Bowers

Food Safety

Food Safety and Inspection 

Service (FSIS)

Charles Williams Vince Fayne

Food, Nutrition & Consumer 

Services (FNCS)

Rich Lucas Rich Lucas 

Marketing & Regulatory Programs Karen T. Comfort

Agricultural Marketing Service

(AMS) Ashley Garrigus

Animal & Plant Health Inspection 

Service (APHIS)

Beth Gaston

Natural Resources & Environment

Forest Service (FS) Angela Coleman Kathryn Sosbe

Research, Education & Economics

Agricultural Research Service

(ARS) JD Wyllie Mina Chung

National Agricultural Statistics 

Service (NASS) Sue King Rosemarie Phillips

Economic Research Service

(ERS)

Dale Simms John Weber

Office of the Chief Scientist

(OCS)

Rich Derksen Rich Derksen

Rural Development 

Rural Housing Service (RHS) Curtis Anderson

Trade & Foreign Agricultural 

Affairs Ellen Dougherty

Foreign Agricultural Service

(FAS) Joseph Migyanka

Office of Budget & Program 

Analysis (OBPA) Andrew Perry Sam Barkdull

Office of Communications (OC) Carrie Mitchell

Office of the General Counsel 

(OGC)

Charlene Buckner Charlene Buckner

Office of the Inspector General 

(OIG)

Michael Martin Melissa Bentley