AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE STRATEGIC PLAN FY 2020-2024Agricultural Marketing ServiceAMS_c73545b6-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea00Bruce SummersAdministratorFacilitate the strategic marketing of U.S. agricultural products in domestic and international markets, while ensuring fair trading practices and promoting a competitive and efficient marketplace to the benefit of producers, traders, and consumers of U.S. food, fiber and specialty crops._c73546b0-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea00AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and around the world. _c7354746-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea00HonestyHonesty & Integrity - We expect and require complete honesty and integrity in all we do.IntegrityCommitmentWe make commitments with care and live up to them.AccountabilityWe own up to problems and are always responsive.ReliabilityWe provide valuable service to our customers on time, every time.StewardshipWe guard, conserve and preserve USDA resources the taxpayers have entrusted to us.IndependenceIndependence & Objectivity - We act independently and objectively to create trust in our programs and services.ObjectivityMarketsProvide Market Information, Intelligence, and Assistance Supporting the Development of New Markets_c735480e-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea001OpportunitiesIncrease Agricultural Opportunities by Supporting a Competitive, Fact-based, Data-driven Agricultural System_c735489a-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea001.1AMS analyzes and publishes current and developing market trends and provides tools to help producers, and others in the supply chain, to identify domestic and international market opportunities and respond to changing market conditions. Data is disseminated within hours of collection and made available through distribution channels with a high degree of transparency and accuracy. Customer access to this information results in: ^^ • Transparency so that producers and marketers understand market conditions; ^ • Reduction of the likelihood of local or regional shortages because traders can act in response to price information to supply deficit areas; ^ • Indication of possible and profitable production opportunities for farmers; ^ • Assisting farmers in making decisions on which products to store or produce; ^ • Improved policy formulation through the availability of better information. ^^ Developing and maintaining vital market data will require new innovations in the way information is captured and disseminated. AMS will implement new strategies to collect and report information and explore ways to repackage its current data to improve usability to industry partners. Finding ways to identify and illustrate the way AMS helps create longterm successes for its stakeholders will help stimulate market expansion. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will enhance and expand the information products that it provides to the public and improve the ways in which information and data products are stored and delivered. The Agency will complete the development of a digital database to provide large sets of multi-year market news data to users in a common format. Many of these changes will be accomplished through the development and implementation of the Market Analysis and Reporting System (MARS). ^^ Coverage of local and regional markets will be expanded, and coverage of the organic sectors and other specialized systems, such as grass-fed beef, will continue to be included. AMS is currently harmonizing and merging several market news information systems into a single unified database and data collection platform and simplifying public access to and maintenance of market news information. In addition, AMS will enhance and expand the availability of agricultural shipping data in a customizable, user-friendly way so that shippers can make informed decisions on when and how to move product to market.Food SystemsProvide Architectural Design and Market Development Support to Expand Local and Regional Food Systems_c735491c-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea001.2AMS facilitates the growth of producer income and enhancements in marketing efficiency by developing and evaluating agricultural marketing solutions and strategies for improving local and regional food systems. AMS provides direct site assessment and design services for food market planners, managers, and community stakeholders to improve the efficiency of permanent food market facilities. These facilities include wholesale markets, farmers markets, public markets and food hubs, all of which are important parts of the national food distribution network. The facilities may be indoors or outdoors, a single building or an industrial complex. ^^ Market construction projects can require major capital investment and AMS’ involvement facilitates project advancement. AMS’ support involves leadership in all phases of develop - ment, from the initial concept discussion with the customer through review of the costing phase and the construction process. In devel - oping the design, AMS’ work follows building codes, zoning laws, fire regulations, and other local and state ordinances for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. AMS designs buildings that are functional, safe, efficient, and meet the needs of the stakeholders using them. ^^ AMS also supports the development of agricultural markets through technical advice and assistance to States and municipalities interested in creating or upgrading wholesale market facilities, auction and collection mar - kets, retail farmers markets, food hubs, and other direct or local markets. AMS conducts feasibility studies in cooperation with the pri - vate sector, non-profit organizations, and other government agencies to evaluate and suggest efficient ways to handle and market agricul - tural commodities. AMS studies changes in the marketplace to assist States, localities, market managers/operators, and producers in making strategic decisions for future business development. ^^ AMS' increased emphasis on regional food systems supports economic growth for tribal, state, county, community, non-profit, and private sector partners as well as small farmers. These new market opportunities develop and revitalize the infrastructure necessary for vibrant regional food systems and support innovation and proven business approaches such as cooperatives. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS architects and marketing spe - cialists will make presentations and targeted outreach describing free available design and market development services to state and local government (and affiliated) stake - holder groups. Examples of outreach targets and forums include: National Association of Produce Market Managers; National Asso - ciation of State Departments of Agriculture; Specialty Crop Block Grant coordinators within each state department of agriculture; tribal relations personnel identified by the Office of Tribal Relations; and state/ local sustainability offices and regional food councils. AMS staff will also provide specific in-person on-site market development support in 16 mostly rural communities across the U.S. as part of Local Foods, Local Places, a multi-agency federal effort to support locally led, community-driven efforts to preserve open space and farmland, boost economic opportunities for local farmers and businesses, and to improve access to healthy local food.QualityProvide Quality Claims and Analyses to Facilitate Agricultural Marketing _c73549a8-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea002ExportsVerify and certify to foreign market requirements that would otherwise inhibit marke access of U.S. agricultural products_c7354b2e-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea002.1Export Verification and Certification Programs ~ Facilitate the trade of U.S. agricultural products by providing user-fee funded programs to U.S. agricultural companies that either verify or certify to foreign market requirements that would otherwise inhibit market access of U.S. agricultural products ^^ AMS provides more than 20 different export certificates to interested suppliers to expedite the entry of U.S. commodities into foreign countries. These certification and verification programs support American exporters by ensuring that products meet specific import requirements for countries around the world, including in the European Union, Asia, and South America. ^^ To further facilitate domestic and international movement of U.S. agricultural products, AMS works to develop centralized electronic trade document solutions, including Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) online, the Electronic Document Exchange (eTDE) System and the International Trade Data System (ITDS). These electronic systems give authorized product owners, buyers, carriers, brokers, and government port agents access to critical information around the clock and around the world -- making the certification and verification process fast and efficient. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will continue to work with other Federal agencies in pursuit of international trade partnerships, including organic equivalency agreements and will refine how it administers certificates through Agency-wide technological solutions, cross-cutting capabilities, and interdependencies to promote greater efficiencies to U.S. exporters.GradingProvide grading, inspection and auditing services_c7354bce-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea002.2AMS user-fee grading programs will provide grading, inspection and auditing services that are timely, unbiased, and a good value to the industry. ^^ The Agency’s grading, inspection, certification, audit verification, and laboratory analysis are voluntary services that meat and poultry establishments, fruit and vegetable handlers and processors, egg processing plants, dairy processors, cotton producers, grain industry, and other parts of the agriculture sector can use to facilitate marketing and communicate quality and wholesomeness to consumers. Additionally, under provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act (with few exceptions) grain exported from U.S. export port locations must be officially weighed and inspected. ^^ Annually, AMS grades, audits, certifies and/ or inspects approximately $200 billion worth of agricultural products, ensuring the quality of domestic goods and helping American farmers and businesses export goods to over 100 different countries. To better serve our fee-paying stakeholders, AMS will continue to increase efficiency and effectiveness and integrate additional requirements into its audit verification and related services. ^^ As a user fee-funded organization, AMS is committed to cost-effective and transparent operations and processes. The Agency continues to strive to serve as a good financial steward through maximized cost efficiency and transparency. ^^ STRATEGY: The Agency will continue to assess, modernize, and restructure to provide a preeminent level of user-fee services that meet industry needs while continuing to keep cost to a minimum. AMS will capitalize on opportunities to achieve greater efficiencies through streamlined processes and cross-leveraging internal resources. On an AMS-wide basis, the various grading information technology systems will be evaluated and updated as necessary to ensure that they can capture and report both financial and workload data.Standards & ProgramsDevelop Commodity Standards and Programs to Facilitate Global Trade and Economic Growth_c7354c5a-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea002.3The Agency supports the development of international standards that provide a common language for commodity buyers and sellers and are widely used by the agricultural industry in trading, futures market contracts, and in purchase specifications in most private contracts. AMS continually reviews the effectiveness of these standards and programs to ensure that its grading and auditing activities meet the needs of the marketplace and are based on Federal standards and support truth in labeling claims. ^^ AMS' standardization activities enhance and expand export market access for U.S. commodities through collaboration with Federal regulatory and trade agencies and industry groups to develop market and export assistance programs (e.g., systems-based programs to meet export requirements and policies for specific countries). Due to AMS’ market expertise, Federal agencies and the agricultural industry depend on AMS to develop and administer marketing programs to meet the needs of foreign markets and customers. ^^ AMS' laboratory approval programs verify that the analysis of export products meet various countries’ requirements. The laboratory testing programs provide analytical testing services in the fields of chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology in support of grading, commodity purchases, exports, compliance, product specifications and research. ^^ AMS works closely with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) countries on the International System of Cooperation, an initiative to provide a more uniform approach to the testing and examination of Plant Variety Protection (PVP) applications. AMS participates in the UPOV’s international electronic system for the submission of PVP applications to the countries selected by an applicant. The variety name verification project aligns the U.S. with other UPOV countries by providing a means to verify variety names so they are not in conflict with other protected varieties within the UPOV and European Union’s Community Variety Protection Office systems. ^^ The Pesticide Data Program (PDP) provides improved data collection of pesticide residues, standardized analytical and data reporting methods, and increased sampling of foods. This data helps to assure foreign and domestic consumers that the food they feed their families is safe. PDP also enhances the global marketing of U.S. products by ensuring that data needed to support exports are available and can be used to assist in removing potential trade barriers. ^^ AMS' Biotechnology Proficiency Program now involves 210 organizations on five continents with more than 80 percent of the participants from organizations outside the U.S. This program enables organizations to assess and improve their accuracy and precision in identifying genetically engineered (GE) events in grains and oilseeds and gives grain buyers and sellers confidence in the results produced by GE testing laboratories. Additionally, AMS continues to collaborate with international organizations such as Analytical Excellence through Industry Collaboration, International Organization for Standardization, American Association of Cereal Chemists, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements and the Canadian Grain Commission to harmonize testing technologies for GE grains and oilseeds. STRATEGY: To facilitate domestic and international movement of U.S. agricultural products, AMS is working to develop centralized electronic trade document solutions, including the International Trade Data System (ITDS). This electronic system gives authorized product owners, buyers, carriers, brokers, and government port agents access to critical information around the clock and throughout the world— making the certification and verification process even faster and easier. In addition, AMS provides PDP data that can be used by CODEX to develop international Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) that facilitate trade as PDP data are the only publicly available data worldwide that can be used as actual data in place of estimated data. ^^ Assisting with product transparency within the marketplace and providing harmonization of quality grades internationally, AMS will develop a standardized review of over 500 government standards and close to 200 Commercial Item Descriptions. The Agency will also audit annually over 120 process verified production statements for the industry to confirm market claims. AMS will ensure the development and use of fair and transparent procedures enabling open processes to support the requirements for the new standard in food disclosure and labeling. The protocols established will allow production claims and the use of traceability and source verification to be more mainstream and well defined. These activities ensure that AMS’ standards and labeling programs continually evolve to include changing consumer demands and industry production methods. ^^ To ensure consistency in system development and product certification, AMS has established a team to address the ever-changing needs, strategy and requirements to facilitate trade and economic growth.OversightProvide Effective Oversight of Markets and Entities_c7354ce6-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea003MarketsRegulated EntitiesOrganicsEstablish Clear Standards_c7354d7c-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea003.1National Organic Program (NOP) ~ Increase Agricultural Opportunities by Establishing Clear Standards that Ensure a Consistent Marketing System. ^^ The organic industry continues to rapidly and steadily expand, and now represents over 5% of U.S. food sales. In 2018, organic sales in the U.S. totaled $52.5 billion, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. Organic certification operates as a public-private partnership, with almost 80 third-party certifying agents authorized by USDA to certify farms and businesses to the USDA organic standards. With organic imports rising to meet consumer demand, reforms are needed to ensure that enforcement across complex supply chains is both sound and sensible. AMS oversees national standards for the production and handling of agricultural products labeled as organic and supports the National Organic Standards Board. The USDA organic seal is recognized throughout the world as the gold standard in the organic market. The number of U.S. farms and businesses choosing to become certified organic has continued to grow at a rate of more than 4% per year for more than 10 years. Clear standards, sound and sensible certification, and robust enforcement protect organic integrity for both farmers and consumers. ^^ The NOP faces risks with respect to providing effective oversight of the growing global organic control system to protect both U.S. producers and consumers. AMS will implement regulatory changes to improve USDA’s ability to oversee the growing organic market, while also streamlining regulatory requirements for third-party certification agencies. Collaborating with other USDA agencies, as well as Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is improving targeted oversight of imported organic products and protecting U.S. producers. ^^ AMS will maximize USDA’s investments to introduce better controls across the public-private framework of organic certification and oversight and will provide tools that industry can use to self-regulate. These approaches will improve transparency and efficiencies across the industry while maximizing taxpayer investments in the organic program. Further, reducing regulatory reporting for third-party certifiers will decrease their paperwork burden while maintaining the integrity of the system. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will streamline and improve organic enforcement through rule changes to the USDA organic regulations. Administrative changes will be implemented through technology investments and improvements, and business process changes in the investigations process and in collaborations with other agencies such as the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Organic industry participants also advocate for statutory changes through the Farm Bill process to amend the Organic Foods Production Act to introduce new authorities that would supplement and enhance these proposals.Research & PromotionEnsure Research and Promotion Programs Operate in Compliance with Acts, Orders and Guidelines_c7354e08-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea003.2AMS provides administrative oversight to over 20 industry-funded commodity research and promotion programs with over $925 million in annual revenue. The various research and promotion acts authorize the collection of an assessment from identified segments of the marketing chain including producers, feeders, seed stock producers, exporters, packers, importers, processors, manufacturers, and/ or handlers. These assessments are used to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research, consumer information, nutrition education, and promotion to improve, maintain, strengthen and develop new markets both domestically and internationally for agricultural products. AMS’ role is to oversee research and promotion boards to ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity. AMS reviews and approves all commodity promotional campaigns including advertising, consumer education programs, and other promotional materials prior to their use. AMS also approves the boards’ budgets and marketing plans and attends all board meetings. Research and Promotion Programs reimburse AMS for the cost of administrative oversight activities and no tax dollars are used in the establishment, operation, or oversight of the programs. ^^ Examples of activities conducted by these programs includes work done to combat plastic contamination in cotton, prevention of peanut allergies, the introduction of brand ambassador characters and the development of improved plant varieties. In addition, boards have promotional campaigns which include: Undeniably Dairy, Fuel Up to Play 60, Go Mango! The Super Fun Superfruit, Paper and Packaging - How Life Unfolds, THINKWOOD and What Are You Eating. ^^ AMS maintains several documents including the USDA Guidelines for Oversight of Commodity Research and Promotion Programs and Standard Operating Procedures designed to facilitate the application of legislative and regulatory provisions of the acts and orders to promote consistency in AMS' oversight of all commodity promotion and research programs. Additionally, staff is equipped with the skills and abilities to effectively and efficiently carry out the Agency's responsibilities for promotion and research program oversight in order to ensure all research and promotion program activities follow regulatory and legislative requirements. Staff responsible for conducting board oversight complete periodic internal management reviews to ensure boards are in compliance with the requirements. AMS will continue to strengthen its oversight of the research and promotion boards to help ensure that funding is used appropriately. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will maintain experienced staff who are on the leading edge of product and nutrition research, sustainability, social media, consumer and market research, menu development, product development, marketing, promotion and exporting. AMS will ensure standard operating procedures and oversight guidance documents stay relevant with changing industry needs and new board requirements. AMS will ensure that industry boards have the tools needed to secure a dynamic membership pool and are able to assess their market holistically, including consumer demand.Agricultural ProductsSustain Excellence in the Quality and Wholesomeness of Agricultural Products_c7354e9e-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea003.3Increasingly, USDA and stakeholders request that AMS ensures accuracy in agricultural product labeling, beyond the Agency’s historical quality verification role. Through targeted enforcement, regulation, and inspection activities, AMS will help protect vulnerable populations and critical agriculture markets. The audit-based Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) compliance program ensures that the public receives credible, accurate information regarding the source of specific foods to enable more informed choices. U.S. standards for shell eggs limit the number of restricted eggs (eggs that are undesirable for human consumption) that are permitted in consumer channels and regulate the mandatory procedures for the disposition of restricted eggs. AMS administers the Federal Seed Act which regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seeds and promotes uniformity among State laws and fair competition within the seed trade. These programs help ensure truthfulness in labeling, uniformity among State laws and fair competition within agricultural marketplaces. ^^ AMS continues to influence the expansion and development of international markets and partners with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and other Federal agencies to carry out their respective missions. AMS is the designated authority for the U.S. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes Program that facilitates U.S. seed trade into foreign markets. AMS will continue to serve in leadership roles for both domestic and international seed organizations and lead the adoption of new rules for shipping certified seed in international commerce. ^^ STRATEGY: To ensure proper origin labeling on many agricultural products, AMS partners with state agencies to conduct over 3,500 retail reviews and 50 supplier traceback audits annually. Because consistent application of the regulation is critical to COOL's success, AMS has initiated a remote retailer compliance certification program with a target of three reviews annually. In addition, AMS will increase program awareness for online retailers through presentations, Fact Sheets and increased communications. ^^ As a member of OECD’s Strategic Planning Committee, AMS is charged with monitoring the implementation of international short- and long-range strategies as set forth in the current strategic and action plans for the OECD Seed Schemes. ^^ AMS will establish regulations for the develop ment of a Domestic Hemp Production Program to facilitate the production of hemp under state, tribal and USDA plans. This program will help expand production and sales of domestic hemp, benefiting both U.S. producers and consumers.MarketsStabilize and Protect Markets_c7354f34-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea003.4Marketing orders and agreements enable farmers and handlers to collectively work to stabilize market conditions for dairy and fruit and vegetable producers. There are 33 active specialty crop marketing agreement and order programs, which cover 28 commodities and 11 milk marketing orders. AMS oversees these activities to ensure that they operate within legal parameters. Marketing orders and agreements establish minimum prices that handlers pay to dairy producers; regulate the quality and quantity of fruits and vegetables sold in commercial channels; and, provide for fruit and vegetable market development and promotion. Most of the active Federal marketing order programs for fruits and vegetables include minimum grade requirements and the standards used include characteristic qualities as well as criteria related to food safety (e.g., lack of mold, insects, and foreign material). ^^ AMS uses Section 32 funds to administer the marketing orders and agreements program at the national level and to conduct public hearings and referenda to determine producer sentiment concerning new programs and proposed revisions of existing marketing orders already in effect. Program activities and administration at the local level are financed through handler assessments. Highlights of recent achievements include establishing a new milk marketing order in California, new regulations regarding pistachio exports, and cherry marketing order revisions. AMS will continue to work to increase compliance with Section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA) to help ensure the integrity of these marketing programs. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will continue to provide value in the timely and accurate distribution of commodity pricing information. These reports allow industry stakeholders to analyze markets, identify trends, plan intelligently, and ultimately make successful and informed business decisions. AMS endeavors to issue 24 advance and monthly price announcements reflecting market wholesale prices of dairy products.Procurement & Technical SolutionsProvide Premier Procurement and Technical Solutions to Identify and Fulfill the Needs for Agricultural, Food Assistance and Other Programs_c7354fca-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea004ProcurementEnhance the Procurement Business Model_c735506a-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea004.1The Agency’s commodity procurement program purchases nutritious, wholesome, and safe U.S. grown and processed food for Federal nutrition program recipients and purchases and delivers food aid commodities to foreign countries. These purchases help to stabilize prices in agricultural commodity markets by balancing supply and demand, are a vital component of our nation’s food safety net and assist vulnerable populations around the world. ^^ AMS will continue to build on the current successes from the recent consolidation of commodity procurement activities through the implementation of consistent, repeatable business processes and ensure that it has effective controls in place so that commodity purchases comply with Federal regulations and that the purchased products are inspected in an effective and timely manner. The Agency will review business processes and work with industry partners to identify and provide strategies and solutions to more effectively provide support and stabilize prices. Commodity procurement activities will focus on effective communication about Federal nutrition programs to recipients and other stakeholders. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS, working with USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has launched a broad effort to review and re-engineer USDA’s food procurement practices to improve the program for our customers and stakeholders. Regular conversations with producers, vendors and suppliers help to better understand product challenges, including market conditions, as well as how to improve operations by synchronizing USDA food purchases with industry commercial operations for the benefit of all. ^^ With the realignment within USDA for AMS to conduct all food procurement (both domestic and international), the Agency will work to harmonize activities across the Program to better support the Department’s nutrition and aid programs.Supply ChainEnsure and Expand Optimal Web-Based Supply Chain Management Service Delivery_c7355100-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea004.2In 2006, AMS partnered with USDA’s FAS, FSA, FNS and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to create a modern Web Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system to integrate commodity procurement, tracking, and ordering. WBSCM supports domestic agriculture, nutrition assistance, food security, and international food assistance programs of USDA and USAID. All Federal food and commodity orders, solicitations, offers, awards, deliveries, invoices, and payments occur in WBSCM, and all commodity program business partners are required to use the system. ^^ AMS will continue to lead the effort to build upon the WBSCM implementation successes with FNS, FSA, and FAS, and USAID. The Agency will coordinate efforts to improve WBSCM functionality to provide better service delivery to domestic nutrition, international food assistance, and agricultural programs, and partner with other Federal agencies to expand the use and user base of WBSCM. ^^ STRATEGY: Develop an implementation plan for fundamental improvements in business processes in WBSCM. AMS estimates these improved processes will reduce procurement response times by 20-30% and result in savings of $38 million per year for USDA, state and local entities.FoodsImprove Access to Healthy, Locally Produced Foods While Developing Market Opportunities_c73551a0-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea004.3AMS promotes producer access to local and regional markets, including direct-to-consumer and other emerging opportunities, and plays a crucial role in bringing locally sourced agricultural products to communities. Through the National Farmers Market Directory, AMS connects consumers to producers at over 8,000 farmers markets, providing location and operating information. AMS conducts regular data collection and analysis to help stakeholders better understand evolving influences on market performance and profitability. Food hubs and other aggregation models support commercial and institutional customers that desire to source local and regional food products. The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program provides matching funds to state agencies to explore new food and agricultural product market opportunities. Specialty crop block grants enhance the competitiveness of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops. Farmers market promotion grants develop, improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs and other direct producer-to-consumer opportunities. Local food promotion grants develop, improve and expand local food businesses that process, distribute, aggregate or store locally or regionally produced food products. ^^ An increased emphasis on regional food systems supports economic growth for tribal, state, county, community, non-profit and private sector partners. These new market opportunities develop and revitalize the infrastructure necessary for vibrant regional food systems and support innovation and proven business approaches such as cooperatives. Through these means, local producers will be better equipped to distribute, and market healthy foods and the development of additional farmers markets will promote healthier communities. ^^ STRATEGY: Through cooperative research agreements and national case studies, AMS has gained extensive knowledge on different innovative approaches to address the need of access to healthy, locally produced foods. The research conducted on food hubs, farmers markets, commodity supported agriculture programs, mobile markets, urban agriculture and federal nutrition programs provides AMS with an extensive amount of data on opportunities, challenges and best practices that can be shared to assist with the development of new market opportunities. Additionally, access to these foods does not simply stop at providing these products at markets. To successfully improve access to all individuals requires additional efforts and considerations. AMS research has identified strategies that will enhance a market’s ability to meet customer needs and provide access to healthy, locally produced foods. Such strategies include but are not limited to nutrition and cooking training, transportation assistance, incentive programs, availability of culturally appropriate products, and market promotion events. AMS will distribute this information in the form of workshops, publications, one-on-one technical assistance and webinars to provide stakeholders with actions and strategies that can be employed to develop markets and improve access to healthy, locally produced foods. AMS will strive to target this outreach to address rural prosperity and support Opportunity Zones.TradeFacilitate Fair Trade in the Handling and Marketing of Agricultural Commodities and Products _c7355240-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea005Livestock, Meat & PoultryProvide Financial Protection to Livestock Producers and Ensure Fair and Competitive Markets for Livestock, Meat and Poultry_c73552e0-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea005.1Livestock ProducersThrough its oversight activities under the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S), including monitoring programs, conducting reviews and investigations, AMS fosters fair competition, and provides payment protection to the livestock, meat and poultry industries. AMS also guards against deceptive and fraudulent trade practices that affect the movement and price of meat animals and their products. AMS' work protects consumers and members of the livestock, meat, and poultry industries. ^^ STRATEGY: As the industry continues to evolve, administration of the P&S Act will evolve to meet ongoing needs of the industry and ensure fair trade practices. The program is committed to protecting fair trade practices, financial integrity, and competitive markets for livestock, meat and poultry producers through education, registration and compliance enforcement. AMS will regularly engage industry, and deliver responsive, relevant services to our customers and stakeholders.Fruits & VegetablesFacilitate Fair Trading Practices in the Marketing of Fresh and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables in Interstate and Foreign Commerce_c7355380-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea005.2The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) facilitates fair trading practices in the marketing of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in interstate and foreign commerce by means of education, mediation, arbitration, licensing and enforcement. A major objective of the PACA program is to partner with the dealers of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetable to ensure that they get what was paid for and receive payment promptly for what they sell, including when their customers go out of business, declare bankruptcy, or simply refuse to pay for the fruits and vegetables received. ^^ PACA provides a forum to investigate, mediate, and arbitrate contract disputes; a mechanism for recovering damages when buyers and sellers of produce fail to meet their contractual obligations; sanctions produce sellers that fail to pay obligations or misrepresent the product in which they sell; and provides a mechanism to monitor the activities of PACA violators. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will process license applications, issue certificates and improve call center response times to ensure customers can enter into business transactions as quickly and efficiently as possible. In the event of an irreconcilable dispute, AMS will pursue appropriate and timely action. ^^ To ensure that stakeholders are informed of their rights and responsibilities under the PACA, additional outreach and education will be available to the industry and employees through increased use of technologyTrade PracticesBoost Fair Trade Practices by Administering all Provisions of the U.S. Warehouse Act (USWA) and Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Storage Agreements_c7355420-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea005.3AMS is responsible for administering all provisions of the USWA and the CCC Storage Agreements, the principal purposes of which exercise proper administrative control and regulation of a nationwide storage system, address uniformity among warehouse receipts, ensure standardization of grading and classification structures and assist with sustaining the stakeholder relationships with warehouse operators, depositors, graders, classifiers, weigh personnel and the banking system. Additionally, AMS administers the Posted County Price (PCP) system to facilitate implementation of commodity price and sta bilization programs by FSA. AMS also acquires, processes, stores, handles, distributes, transports, issues payments, and performs other services related to surplus removal and disposition, including sales, barters and donations of commodities acquired by CCC under marketing assistance programs. Further, AMS administers CCC programs such as the Economic Adjustment Assistance to Users of Upland Cotton (EAAP), Bales Made Available for Shipment (BMAS) and the Special Competitive Provisions for Extra Long Staple Cotton (ELS). ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will engage further with trade and stakeholder groups, improve services and operations, strengthen internal relationships with commodity analysts to support market transparency and modernize technology to accurately assess warehouse operations, commodity pricing and market analysis.Food SourcesEnsure Consumers are Aware of and Provided with Accurate Information about Food Sources _c73554ca-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea005.4ConsumersAs the U.S. agricultural marketplace has evolved through the years, two areas of focus have emerged which assist consumers identify certain characteristics of food. The first is the COOL law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets and club warehouse stores, to notify their customers about the country of origin of certain foods. The second is the Bio-Engineering (BE) law which requires the development of a mandatory national system for disclosing whether certain foods are bioengineered or contain bioengineered ingredients. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will develop BE compliance and enforcement procedures, conduct BE industry outreach and education, maintain cooperative agreements with States for COOL compliance, and conduct COOL surveillance reviews and trace back audits. AMS will manage a comprehensive nationwide program relating to the development, implementation, and enforcement of programs to ensure compliance with the law by retailers and suppliers subject to COOL regulation.Organization & WorkforceSustain and Enrich a Progressive and Dynamic Organization and Workforce_c7355574-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea006EnvironmentFoster an Environment of Employee Engagement, Development, Communication and Accountability_c735561e-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea006.1AMS must continue to ensure that it has talented, high-performing employees, supervisors, managers and leaders to carry out its mission, particularly considering an aging Federal workforce, stiff competition from other public and private sector organizations and declining budgetary resources. The workforce delivers an assortment of marketing services to the Agency’s customer base and serves as representatives of not just AMS, but also USDA. It is vital that the AMS workforce possesses the requisite skills and abilities, are adequately equipped with technology and resources, and continually seek more streamlined and effective means to carry out their work. The Agency must sufficiently invest in training and development programs to make certain that its employees are adequately prepared to assume prospective leadership roles and positions. ^^ STRATEGY: Provide AMS employees and supervisors with career planning and professional development tools and resources. Targeted training will allow AMS to ensure workforce skills and competencies are aligned with emerging technology and demands of the 21st century. As the workforce becomes more dynamic, AMS can better respond to changing industry and consumer demands and priorities.ITEnhance Information Technology (IT) Governance_c73556be-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea006.2Improve collaboration, strategic and tactical planning between the program areas, business and IT Leaders to support the AMS mission. The partnership between AMS and the Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services (MRPBS) leadership is key to ensuring the organization is driving towards maximum business value. ^^ STRATEGY: AMS will work with MRPBS to develop a governance structure for business services. This will begin with the development of both an Executive Review Board (ERB) and an Internal Review Board (IRB) for IT governance. AMS will utilize dashboard capabilities to monitor agreed upon metrics. WorkforceCultivate a Rich and Diverse Workforce_c7355772-f13a-11ed-870d-a84b0983ea006.3AMS contributes to the strength, vitality and competitiveness of the U.S. agricultural sector by delivering a variety of efficient and effective services to the American public. To continue this service through the various programs that the Agency administers, AMS must attract, hire and retain a high-performing workforce that represents all segments of American society. In addition, AMS employees will work in an environment that promotes respect for the individual and encourages sharing of different views and perspectives. ^^ STRATEGY: Develop a recruitment strategy to hire top, diverse, talent; identify and eliminate hiring barriers and maximize outreach efforts. In addition, analyze attrition levels and off-boarding documentation for departure trends.2019-10-012024-09-302023-05-16https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/AMS_Strategic_Plan_2020_2024.pdfOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net