Critics of USDA’s plans to relocate two research agencies out of D.C. next year are urging a special provision in an upcoming spending bill to put the moves on hold.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has proposed relocating the Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
"This delay is necessary in order for Congress and stakeholders to understand the problems USDA seeks to address and the ramifications of the USDA’s proposed moves," a collation of 60 groups, including the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Agricultural & Applied Economics Association, and the Consumer Federation of America, said in a letter.
Nearly 140 cities are interested in hosting ERS and NIFA, according to a list of applicants published by USDA. The department plans to pick a new location or locations for the agencies by January 2019.
Meanwhile, USDA’s Inspector General is currently reviewing whether the department has the authority to move the agencies and if proper procedures were followed.