Farm Progress

New location is in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

October 31, 2019

2 Min Read
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USDA has selected 805 Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Kansas City, Mo., as the site for the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture office.

“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,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “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.”

Perdue announced the two agencies would be relocated to Kansas City in June. Kansas City was selected from a field of 136 from 35 states who submitted bids to host the offices. Perdue announced the relocation of the offices in August 2018.

Lawmakers from Kansas and Missouri praised the relocation, which has been controversial since it was announced.

“I’ve long advocated that USDA’s ERS and NIFA relocate to the Kansas City metropolitan area, knowing that regardless of what side of the border these facilities would land, it would be a positive development for the regional economy and so many institutions across Kansas and Missouri,” said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas.

Related:Three quarters of ERS staff will be gone by year-end

“I’m pleased to join the Kansas and Missouri delegations in welcoming these USDA facilities to the Kansas City Metro,” said Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas. “Regardless of which side of the state line these facilities fall on, this move benefits our region as a whole, and positions these facilities closer to the people they serve. It also benefits the USDA, as our region has a wealth of institutional knowledge about the critical issues and opportunities facing our agricultural community.”

“Bringing these two important ag research agencies closer to the people they serve and the leading research institutions that support their mission is the right move,” said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri. “There are tremendous opportunities and challenges ahead for the U.S. ag industry. In farm states like ours, ERS and NIFA can have a big impact on how farmers and ranchers operate every day and how they’ll move into the future. We’re glad to have them joining the more than 5,000 USDA employees and contractors who already call our area home.”

Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau president, said Missouri farmers are excited to hear NIFA and ERS will soon call downtown Kansas City, Missouri, home.

“U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s announcement recognizes what we already knew: Missouri is the epicenter of agriculture in the United States,” Hurst said.

Related:Bumpy road to NIFA, ERS relocation

Source: USDA and Kansas and Missouri congressional delegations, Missouri Farm Bureau, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

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