WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Oct. 31 announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has signed a lease for permanent office space in Kansas City. With the lease signing, the USDA’s Economic Research Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture are set to make Kansas City their permanent home.

“We’re excited to announce ERS and NIFA’s new, permanent home in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and provide clarity on commute times and work-life balance for our employees,” Perdue said. “Both agencies have been hard at work in the Beacon Center after relocating to the region over a month ago, and signing this lease is an important next step to facilitate their long-term efficiency, effectiveness, and service to our customers. The region is not only a hub for agriculture in America’s heartland, but is also already proving to be a diverse talent pool in proximity to many land-grant and research universities. I’m confident Kansas City will continue to be a great home for the future of ERS and NIFA”

Out of 329 total ERS positions, 76 positions remain in Washington, D.C., while 253 positions are in Kansas City. Out of 344 total NIFA positions, 21 positions remain in Washington, D.C., while 323 are in Kansas City.