Dear USDA colleagues,

As we gather to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we would like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication, exceptional work and remarkable contributions to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our employees are the very foundation of our department and the nation we serve. Your hard work shapes the landscape of American agriculture and forges a path toward a sustainable and prosperous future. Your steadfast efforts not only ensure food safety, nutrition security, healthy forests, a strong economy and vibrant rural communities, but also drive innovation through scientific discovery and pave the way for a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.

Thanksgiving holds a special place in our nation’s fabric, reminding us of the importance of coming together in gratitude and appreciation. It is a time when we reflect upon the abundance that surrounds us and express gratitude for the bountiful harvest that sustains our nation. Similarly, we wish to express our gratitude to each one of you for your relentless commitment to our mission. Your hard work, expertise and unwavering spirit have been the driving force behind our department’s success.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let us also remember the significance of giving back to our communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture not only serves as a beacon of agricultural excellence but also as a catalyst for positive change in the communities we call home. We encourage you to take this opportunity to engage in acts of kindness, support local food banks and contribute to charitable initiatives. The Combined Federal Campaign is a meaningful way to assist others through financial donations or volunteering your time.

We would be remiss not to mention that Congress’s passage of a continuing resolution last week means that we will again avoid a lapse in funding that would require much of USDA to shut down. This is a helpful outcome for many reasons, not least among them that USDA employees will not have to face the holiday season without a paycheck or with the worry of what damage a shutdown might cause for our many missions and the people we serve. In addition, the continuing resolution extends the current Farm Bill through Sept. 30, 2024, which gives farmers, families, small businesses and rural communities reassurance that USDA can continue the policies and programs so important to them.

In recognition of your exceptional dedication, we are pleased to authorize a two-hour early release for employees on Wednesday, Nov. 22. We firmly believe the opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones, recharge and reflect upon the blessings in our lives is essential. Your well-being is of paramount importance, and we are committed to being a workplace that values work-life balance. The time off we are providing today is a small token of our appreciation for your remarkable contributions throughout the year.

As you enjoy a well-deserved break, we encourage you to embrace the true essence of Thanksgiving. May it be a time of warmth, togetherness and gratitude, shared with family, friends and loved ones. Let us remember the significance of this holiday and how it unites us as a nation, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the bountiful blessings we enjoy.

Wishing you and your families a joyous and fulfilling Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small

To the extent this policy may constitute a change in a condition of employment for bargaining unit employees, agencies/offices will implement it in accordance with the terms of their current labor agreement and 5 U.S.C. Chapter 71. If you are a bargaining unit employee and have questions regarding the content of this message and its potential impact on a current labor agreement, please refer them to your local union representative.

See this and other announcements on OneUSDA.