USDA RIF 2025: Latest Updates on USDA Layoffs and Reorganization

The USDA is preparing for major workforce changes under the USDA RIF 2025 plan. With a potential government shutdown looming, the agency’s current reduction-in-force (RIF) measures could permanently eliminate positions in certain programs. This blog breaks down what is happening right now, who could be affected, and what federal employees need to know.

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What Is the USDA RIF 2025 Plan?

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The USDA RIF plan is part of the department’s shutdown contingency strategy, submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Unlike standard furloughs, which temporarily suspend work, a RIF involves permanent job eliminations in programs considered nonessential or misaligned with the administration’s priorities.

Key points about the plan:

• It goes beyond temporary furloughs.
  
  
• It targets positions that are noncritical or duplicative.
  
  It is part of USDA’s broader reorganization and staffing realignment efforts.

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Why Are USDA Layoffs Happening in 2025?

Several factors are driving the potential USDA layoffs 2025:

1. Government Shutdown Threats
   
   
   • USDA submitted its contingency plan anticipating a shutdown.
     
     
   • The plan includes permanent job cuts if funding lapses.
     
     
2. OMB Directives
   
   
   • OMB instructed agencies to draft RIFs that eliminate positions permanently, not just furlough employees.
     
     
   • This directive aligns with efforts to prioritize funding for programs that match the administration’s policy agenda.
     
     
3. Reorganization and Relocation Efforts
   
   
   • USDA is relocating positions from Washington, D.C. to regional hubs.
     
     Consolidation aims to reduce administrative overhead and strengthen field operations.

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Current Actions Underway

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1. Relocation and Reorganization

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• 2,600 Washington-based jobs are proposed to move to regional hubs in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.
  
  
• D.C. offices, including the USDA South Building, are slated for closure or consolidation.
  
  
• Approximately 2,000 employees are expected to remain in the Washington area.
  
  
• USDA leadership emphasizes that relocation is preferred over layoffs, but small, targeted reductions may occur if relocation is not feasible.
  
  

2. Voluntary Departures and Early Retirements

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• Over 15,000 USDA employees have accepted voluntary separation or early retirement programs earlier in 2025.
  
  
• These voluntary departures help reduce the workforce and minimize forced layoffs.
  
  

3. Legal Challenges

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• Court injunctions have temporarily blocked parts of the RIF and reorganization plans.
  
  
• The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) has already reinstated some probationary employees affected by previous terminations.
  
  Ongoing litigation could affect the timing and scope of USDA layoffs 2025.

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Who Could Be Affected?

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While the USDA has not released a list of specific positions, likely targets include:

• Administrative and support staff in D.C. offices.
  
  
• Employees in duplicative or nonessential programs.
  
  
• Positions in offices slated for closure or consolidation.
  
  Employees willing to relocate to regional hubs are expected to retain their jobs, minimizing the risk of permanent layoff.

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Key Dates and Timeline

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• The USDA reorganization plan is currently open for public comment, with deadlines for input.
  
  
• Exact timing of any RIF depends on:
  
  
  • The status of a potential government shutdown.
    
    
  • OMB approval of the contingency plan.
    
    
  • Outcomes of ongoing legal challenges.
    
    
• Employees under deferred resignation programs may see deadlines approaching, which could trigger separation or RIF procedures.
  
  

1. What is the USDA RIF plan?

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The USDA RIF plan (Reduction-in-Force plan) is a formal strategy that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses to permanently reduce its workforce. Unlike furloughs, which are temporary unpaid leave, a RIF eliminates positions that are considered nonessential or duplicative. In 2025, this plan has been included in USDA’s shutdown contingency measures and may lead to permanent job cuts if funding lapses or other restructuring measures are not sufficient.

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2. What are the goals of USDA RIF 2025?

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The main goals of the USDA RIF 2025 are:

• To streamline the workforce by eliminating nonessential positions.
  
  
• To align staffing with administration priorities, ensuring resources focus on high-priority programs.
  
  
• To reduce administrative costs and improve efficiency in the department.
  
  
• To integrate with the ongoing reorganization and regional relocation of Washington-based staff.
  
  

3. How does a RIF work for federal employees?

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A RIF follows a structured process defined by federal regulations:

1. Identification of positions to be eliminated based on organizational priorities.
   
   
2. Ranking employees in affected positions according to tenure, performance, and veterans’ preference.
   
   
3. Notification: Employees receive official notice, typically at least 60 days before separation.
   
   
4. Appeals and reassignment opportunities: Employees may apply for other federal positions or appeal the RIF if procedures were not properly followed.
   
   
5. Separation: Employees who are not reassigned or relocated are permanently separated from service.
   
   

4. What is the timeframe for RIF?

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• The RIF process is not immediate; it usually takes several weeks to months to complete, depending on the number of affected employees and positions.
  
  
• Employees typically receive at least 60 days’ notice before a RIF becomes effective.
  
  
• In 2025, the USDA RIF timeline depends on factors such as:
  
  
  • Whether a government shutdown occurs.
    
    
  • OMB approval of the RIF plan.
    
    
  • Legal or court interventions that may delay or modify the plan.

Are you concerned about the upcoming USDA workforce changes under the 2025 RIF plan? Understanding how these reductions could impact your federal career and retirement planning is critical. Our latest blog breaks down the complex USDA RIF process, likely affected positions, and key timelines so you can stay informed and prepared.

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At Federal Pension Advisors, we specialize in helping USDA and federal employees navigate workforce changes like RIF, early retirements, and relocations all while optimizing your retirement benefits and long-term financial security. Whether you’re facing uncertainty or planning ahead, our expert advisors provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique situation.

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Desclaimer -

This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as individualized legal, employment, or government policy advice. The USDA RIF 2025 plan and related workforce changes discussed here involve complex federal procedures and potential litigation. Outcomes depend on factors beyond the information presented, including official government decisions, court rulings, and individual circumstances.

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