The USDA Field Office Stability Act would prohibit the Secretary of Agriculture from closing or relocating county and field offices operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, and other USDA county service centers. The bill includes two exceptions: offices located within 20 miles of another similar office (unless in a different state) could still be consolidated, and offices may be relocated within the same county as part of routine lease management. The legislation also requires the USDA to maintain minimum staffing levels at these local service centers to ensure they remain open and accessible to the public during regular business hours. This bill would directly affect farmers, rural residents, and agricultural businesses that depend on accessing USDA services at local offices, as well as USDA employees working in these field operations. The legislation includes no specific new funding authorization or implementation timeline.
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