U.S. court temporarily blocks USDA reorganization funding

A federal court in California has temporarily restricted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using congressionally appropriated funds for its planned reorganization under Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California prohibits spending on relocation costs, office closures, and other expenses associated with the restructuring. It follows a lawsuit filed by federal employee unions, counties, and nonprofit organisations.

The order affects several USDA agencies, including the Agricultural Research Service, Foreign Agricultural Service, Forest Service, and Rural Development, as well as research and agricultural policy divisions.

Judge Vince Chhabria noted that the relevant appropriations legislation expires in less than two months, meaning the restrictions could change if Congress approves the restructuring.

USDA maintains that the reorganization is necessary to address facility conditions and resource allocation. The plan involves relocating employees to five regional hubs, with the department arguing that this would bring staff closer to farmers and other stakeholders.

The ruling does not prevent USDA from closing offices in the Washington area or relocating employees within the region.

The restructuring has already prompted some employees to retire or resign, raising concerns about the loss of institutional expertise within the department.