US Department of Agriculture's Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN)
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a federal agency overseeing the American farming industry, forestry, and food safety. A significant segment of the USDA is the Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN), which is pivotal in delivering valuable reports on global agricultural conditions and trade policies.
Location and Facilities
The USDA's main office is located in Washington, D.C. The GAIN operates under this umbrella, leveraging USDA's global facilities and offices, which include various Agricultural Attachés located in U.S. embassies around the world. These attachés gather critical information used to compile GAIN reports.
Financial Indicators
As a government entity, the USDA's budget and financial operations are publicly funded. For the fiscal year 2023, the USDA received a budget of approximately $146 billion. The GAIN reports are an integral part of the USDA's efforts to promote and support U.S. agricultural interests globally, although specific line items for GAIN operations aren't typically detailed separately in budget documents.
Important Events
Over the years, GAIN has become an essential tool for businesses and policymakers. Some key events include:
- Expansion of Reporting: Over the past two decades, GAIN has expanded its collection of reports to cover not only staple crops and livestock but also specialized segments like organic products, biotechnology, and specific labeling criteria.
- Trade Agreements Insights: GAIN reports have provided critical insights into numerous trade agreements impacting agricultural exports, such as the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and agreements with the European Union.
Company Plans
The GAIN intends to enhance its reporting capabilities by incorporating more advanced data analytics and embracing digital platforms to provide real-time insights. With an eye towards increasing global food security and understanding market trends, GAIN plans to collaborate more with international bodies and enhance its existing network of global observers.
GAIN continues to be a cornerstone in understanding and navigating the complex landscape of international agricultural trade, providing transparency and crucial intelligence to U.S. stakeholders.
For more detailed and specific GAIN reports, individuals and organizations can access their extensive database online through the USDA's official website.
Modified: 2025/05/17