USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has merged its Poultry Programs with its existing Livestock and Seed Program (LSP), according to an AMS announcement this week. Dr. Craig Morris, who serves as Deputy Administrator of the Livestock and Seed Program, will head the new combined program area. He had previously served as Associate Deputy Administrator and then Deputy Administrator of Poultry Programs between 2002 and 2007.
AMS explained the merger capitalizes on similar services and functions, and will provide efficiencies and cost savings to both the Nation’s taxpayers as well as AMS’ user-fee customers. Benefits are expected not only financially, but also in terms of promotion, infrastructure, customer service, and services.
Certain other notes in the AMS announcement are as follows:
- AMS Commodity Procurement is now housed under the Office of the Administrator, and their management reports directly to Associate Administrator Rex Barnes.
- The LPS Program added a Food Safety and Commodity Specification (FSCS) Division led by Dr. Carl Schroeder. The Division’s primary focus is the development and maintenance of product specifications and food safety requirements for all red meat, poultry, egg, and aquatic products procured through AMS.
- LPS added the Agricultural Analytics Division (AAD), which is being led by Mike Sheats (formerly Poultry Market News and Analysis Director). Bringing together market and statistical analyses, AAD is comprised of AMS statisticians and the chief economists for the former Livestock and Seed and Poultry Programs. AAD will provide statistical and mathematical support; conduct market analyses needed for day-to-day AMS business and commodity surplus removal; and related activities.
- The two separate Administrative Offices that support LPS’ internal and external customers have merged in order to capitalize on the expertise in human resources, administrative, and financial management.
AMS noted it is considering further streamlining steps in the future. The AMS announcement can be viewed here.
