U.S. Department of Agriculture: Improving Management of Cross-Cutting Agricultural Issues

Responsibilities for the existing cross-cutting issues have been assigned, and initiatives have been developed. In addition, recent legislation may be helpful in guiding federal agencies in strategic planning and performance measurement of agency goals and objectives. In 1993, Congress enacted the Government Performance and Results Act establishing a systematic approach for all federal departments for setting and carrying out strategic goals and objectives and for measuring and reporting achievements toward meeting those goals. USDA is in the midst of developing its plans for implementing GPRA, including undertaking pilot projects to test and demonstrate annual performance plans, reports, and managerial accountability and flexibility. Although the act is in the early stages of implementation, it may prove to be helpful in establishing an approach that may be useful in managing cross-cutting issues.

Responsibilities for the existing cross-cutting issues have been assigned, and initiatives have been developed for these issues. In October 1994, USDA reorganization legislation was signed into law. Under this act, USDA is restructuring the Department along mission lines. Under the reorganization, USDA agencies are reduced from 43 to 29 and administrative support units are consolidated for each mission area. All restructuring and streamlining actions are under way and are expected to occur over the 5-year period ending in 1999. This restructuring will affect this recommendation.

USDA is actively pursuing initiatives to restructure and streamline the Department. In addition, recent legislation may be helpful in guiding federal agencies in strategic planning and performance measurement of agency goals and objectives, including cross-cutting issues. In 1993, Congress enacted the Government Performance and Results Act establishing a systematic approach for all federal departments for setting and carrying out strategic goals and objectives and for measuring and reporting achievements toward meeting those goals. USDA is in the midst of developing its plans for implementing GPRA. As of September 1994, USDA has selected six agencies to pilot test GPRA initiatives. Although the act is in the early stages of implementation, it may prove to be helpful in establishing an approach that may be useful in managing cross-cutting issues. GAO will continue to monitor the Department's efforts.

USDA has acted to strengthen its management of cross-cutting issues and has provided needed staff support to the Policy Coordinating Council.

USDA is developing a major initiative in food safety and is placing renewed emphasis on its biotechnology and water quality initiatives. It is developing a strategic framework in food safety that includes a departmentwide policy, long-range goals, an implementation plan, the President's Plan for Food Safety, a food safety information database, and a new initiative to improve water quality. In addition, as a result of the October 1994 Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act, USDA is restructuring the Department along mission lines. Under the reorganization, USDA agencies are reduced from 43 to 29 and administrative support units are consolidated for each mission area. Along with the headquarters restructuring, actions are under way to restructure the field offices over the next several years.

USDA has placed renewed emphasis on its biotechnology initiative. Senior officials are working to further clarify USDA goals and policies for biotechnology. Department-wide initiatives are being developed, including reporting on the progress of biotechnology research programs, developing an information plan for the general public, and ensuring coordinated Departmental participation.