The United States Department of Agriculture (also called the Agriculture Department, or USDA) is a United States Federal Executive Department (or Cabinet Department). Its purpose is to develop and execute policy on farming, agriculture, and food. It aims to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production, work to assure food safety, protect natural resources, foster rural communities and end hunger, in America and abroad. Chuck Conner is the department's acting secretary, following the resignation of former Secretary Mike Johanns on September 20, 2007. On October 31, 2007, President George W. Bush nominated Ed Schafer to be Secretary of Agriculture. History The United States had a largely agrarian economy early in its history. Officials in the federal government had long sought new and improved varieties of seeds, plants, and animals for importation to the U