The USDA Directives System serves as the online repository of all USDA Departmental Directives. The USDA Directives System consists of a set of current, in-force directives. Additional Contact Information Help for the USDA Directives System. About USDA Directives USDA directives communicate official policy and procedures to USDA personnel. Directives are classified permanent and temporary.
Permanent directives are applicable until specifically canceled.
Manuals Temporary directives are scheduled to expire no later than one year from issuance. Temporary directives cannot be amended. Manuals Manuals are used for detailed, relatively lengthy technical guidance that is procedural in nature and Department-wide in scope. They provide standards and guidance pertaining to a particular subject or administrative function, generally of the type that must be referred to on a daily or frequent basis. Some manuals implement an external agency directive series with USDA policy and procedural guidance.