In a key development for California’s agriculture industry, eight of nine USDA field offices previously slated for closure will remain operational, according to a recent letter sent to Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
These local offices play a vital role in supporting farmers across the state — offering disaster assistance, crop marketing support, and connecting producers with federal resources. The reversal follows strong opposition from lawmakers and agricultural stakeholders after the Department of Government Efficiency under the previous administration recommended terminating office leases in Bakersfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, Madera, Mount Shasta, Oxnard, Salinas, Woodland, and Yreka.
Rollins confirmed that termination notices have been officially rescinded for offices in Bakersfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, and Salinas, with ongoing efforts to reverse closures in the remaining locations. The Mount Shasta office and a newly added Brea location remain under review.
In her statement, Rollins emphasized the USDA’s commitment to maintaining access to frontline services while optimizing office space and reducing inefficiencies. The affected offices support key agencies including the Farm Service Agency, Forest Service, and Agricultural Marketing Service.
California’s agriculture leaders in Congress — including Schiff, Reps. Salud Carbajal, Adam Gray, and Jim Costa — had urged USDA and the General Services Administration to halt the closures, warning that they would further burden farmers already impacted by funding freezes and trade uncertainties.
The reprieve offers a measure of stability as the state’s agriculture sector continues to navigate economic headwinds and climate-driven challenges.
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