Bend, OR – In a sweeping move that has impacted federal agencies across the United States, the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce have resulted in the termination of thousands of employees, with a notable effect on agricultural research. Among those let go were at least 19 employees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) working in research and administrative roles.
The affected employees were primarily probationary workers who had only been with their agencies for a short time, typically one to two years, or those who had recently been promoted to new positions. These individuals, many of whom had been integral to ongoing research projects, were employed in collaboration with institutions like Oregon State University (OSU).
Staci Simonich, the Dean of OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, expressed deep concern over the loss of these researchers, many of whom were working on cutting-edge agricultural initiatives. These projects included genetic breeding programs for blueberries, advancements in oyster production on the coast, weed control in grass seed farms, and rangeland ecology and wildlands restoration in Eastern Oregon. Some of the researchers had also served as mentors to OSU graduate students, leaving the university with a significant void.
“We’ve lost half of our teams, and all of these up-and-coming young scientists,” Simonich said. “It’s like we’ve lost the next generation of scientists in agriculture and natural resources.”
The USDA’s spokesperson explained that the decision to release probationary employees was part of a broader effort to ensure taxpayer dollars were being spent as effectively as possible. The agency emphasized its responsibility to manage the federal workforce efficiently, stating that these cuts were aimed at reducing bureaucracy.
In addition to the layoffs, Oregon’s agricultural community has been affected by delays in funding from the USDA. Farmers and nonprofit groups, who were expecting millions of dollars in grants, have been left waiting for critical resources. The stalling of funds has particularly impacted programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which provides farmers with reimbursements for conservation practices aimed at improving wildlife habitats, water quality, and soil health.
Despite these setbacks, the USDA recently announced that it would honor existing contracts with farmers, including a $20 million release for EQIP and other conservation programs. However, the agency is still reviewing the allocation of funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure that the support provided is focused on farmers rather than what the agency termed “DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] or far-left climate programs.”
These actions have raised concerns among agricultural experts and local farmers, who worry that the cuts and funding delays could have long-term consequences on the agricultural sector. With the loss of experienced federal staff and the uncertainty surrounding future financial support, the future of agricultural research and sustainable farming practices in Oregon and beyond remains in flux.
