The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a pivotal agency within the United States Department of Agriculture responsible for facilitating the efficient, fair, and transparent marketing of U.S. agricultural products. AMS supports American producers by creating domestic and international marketing opportunities while ensuring consumers receive safe, quality-assured, and truthfully labeled food and agricultural products. As a regulatory and service-oriented agency, AMS plays a vital role in stabilizing agricultural markets and enhancing competitiveness across the U.S. agri-food supply chain.
Core Responsibilities and Programs
AMS operates a broad range of programs and services designed to promote fair trading practices and support the marketing infrastructure of agricultural commodities. Its primary functions include:
- Grading and Quality Certification: Standardized inspection and grading services for meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and cotton.
- Market News Services: Real-time market data on prices, volume, supply, and demand for over 500 commodities.
- Commodity Procurement: Manages purchases of U.S. agricultural products for federal nutrition assistance programs (e.g., National School Lunch Program).
- National Organic Program (NOP): Regulates organic certification and compliance under the USDA Organic label.
- Federal Marketing Orders and Agreements: Industry self-regulation programs to stabilize market conditions for specific commodities.
- Transportation and Market Development: Research and support for improving logistics, food hubs, and rural market access.
AMS ensures equity in the marketplace while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Organizational Structure
AMS is composed of several specialized programs and divisions, including:
- Livestock and Poultry Program
- Dairy Program
- Specialty Crops Program
- Cotton and Tobacco Program
- Fair Trade Practices Program
- Science and Technology Program
- Transportation and Marketing Program
- National Organic Program (NOP)
Each program delivers services tailored to specific sectors, from laboratory testing and auditing to grants and technical support.
Market Reach and Impact
AMS services span across all 50 states and U.S. territories, impacting a wide range of stakeholders:
- Producers and Growers
- Food Processors and Packers
- Retailers and Exporters
- Food Service Institutions
- Federal and State Agencies
AMS administers programs that directly or indirectly influence over $200 billion in annual U.S. agricultural production, providing essential services that ensure product consistency, market access, and consumer trust.
Budget and Workforce
According to USDA’s FY2023 budget data:
- Annual Budget: Approximately $1.5 billion
- Employees: Around 4,000 across the United States
- Commodity Procurement Program (2022): Over $2.4 billion in purchases for nutrition and food security programs
AMS operations are funded through both congressional appropriations and user fees from industry participants for voluntary services.
Certifications and Standards Programs
AMS administers several certification and verification programs essential for domestic and international market access:
- USDA Organic Certification
- USDA Graded Shields for Beef, Poultry, Dairy, and Produce
- Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) & Good Handling Practices (GHP) Audits
- Plant Variety Protection Certification
- Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) Enforcement
These programs ensure uniform standards, transparency, and traceability across the food supply chain.
Support for Sustainability and Equity
AMS leads initiatives promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and equity in agriculture:
- Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP): Supports food hubs, farmers markets, and local food enterprises.
- Farmers Market Promotion and Specialty Crop Block Grants: Strengthen direct-to-consumer sales and specialty crop competitiveness.
- Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production: Supports non-traditional farming operations in urban and suburban settings.
- Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Producers: Prioritizes outreach and technical assistance to historically underserved farming communities.
Through these initiatives, AMS fosters inclusive growth and resilience in the U.S. agri-food system.
Customer and Industry Recognition
AMS services are highly valued by industry stakeholders:
- “The USDA grading program helps us deliver consistent quality to our export partners.” — Meat Exporter, Texas
- “Our organic certification through AMS has opened new markets domestically and abroad.” — Specialty Crop Grower, California
The agency’s objective standards and responsive market services contribute to a transparent and trustworthy food system.
Major Achievements
- Administered $2.4 Billion in Commodity Procurement (2022): For child nutrition, food banks, and tribal communities.
- Expanded USDA Organic Label Integrity: Oversaw more than 40,000 certified organic operations worldwide.
- Launched USDA’s Local Food Directories: Now comprising over 8,000 farmers markets and food hubs.
- Enhanced Market Transparency: Over 30,000 market news reports published annually across commodities.
With a mission to promote fair marketing and protect the integrity of the agricultural value chain, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service continues to be a cornerstone of American food system infrastructure. Its wide-ranging programs empower farmers, support market access, ensure food quality, and strengthen public trust in agriculture.
