WASHINGTON, DC—We are excited that USDA has released the new 2022-2026 USDA Strategic Plan. As Secretary Vilsack noted in his employee message on April 1, 2022, this strategic plan will serve as the North Star for everything we do at USDA. The implementation strategies listed under each objective will guide us toward accomplishing each goal.

The USDA Strategic Plan outlines six strategic goals, and the work of the Forest Service is heavily referenced in Strategic Goal 1. These six goals are:

• Strategic Goal 1: Combat Climate Change to Support America’s Working Lands, Natural Resources and Communities 
• Strategic Goal 2: Ensure America’s Agricultural System is Equitable, Resilient, and Prosperous 
• Strategic Goal 3: Foster an Equitable and Competitive Marketplace for All Agricultural Producers 
• Strategic Goal 4: Provide All Americans Safe, Nutritious Food 
• Strategic Goal 5: Expand Opportunities for Economic Development and Improve Quality of Life in Rural and Tribal Communities 
• Strategic Goal 6: Attract, Inspire, and Retain an Engaged and Motivated Workforce that’s Proud to Represent USDA

The USDA Learning Agenda and Capacity Assessment have been published alongside the USDA Strategic Plan. The Learning Agenda describes the plans for identifying and addressing priority questions related to the programs, policies, and regulations of the Department. The Capacity Assessment establishes a baseline of existing evidence-building capacity, identify gaps and recommend areas for improvement to strengthen USDA’s ability to build and use evidence to inform decision-making. 

Collectively, these works will inform essential work that the Forest Service must perform to respond to the needs and challenges faced by the nation’s forests and grasslands. The 2023-2028 Forest Service Strategic Plan, estimated for publication in winter FY2023, will cascade from this USDA strategic plan. 

This process is a significant undertaking, and we thank everyone involved, including the NRE Strategic Planning and Evidence Act Working Group Participants: Jessica Robertson, Tracy Hancock, and Dr. Natasha James. 

We will continue to work with employees across the Forest Service and USDA to implement current and new strategies towards carrying out our mission in service to the land and the people.