By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected Indianapolis, Indiana, as one of five new regional hub locations, relocating some operations from Washington, D.C.
This move places USDA staff and resources closer to major agricultural areas while reducing operational costs for taxpayers.
Indianapolis was chosen in part due to its strong connection with Purdue University, home to one of the nation’s top agricultural research and education programs.
Purdue’s recent expansion into Indianapolis has made the city a growing center for innovation and economic development, especially in the field of agriculture.
Purdue President Mung Chiang praised the announcement, stating that the university’s strong agriculture ecosystem and focus on One Health make it an ideal location for the USDA hub.
The presence of USDA staff will likely bring new research partnerships, internships, and job opportunities for Purdue students and alumni.
Purdue’s College of Agriculture has consistently received high rankings, including the No. 1 spot in U.S. News and World Report’s graduate program in agricultural and biological engineering for five years in a row. It also ranks No. 3 in North America and No. 6 globally according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings.
The new USDA hub is expected to foster stronger research collaboration on key issues in agriculture, benefiting both Purdue and the broader Indiana farming community. Indiana Governor Mike Braun welcomed the decision, expressing support for closer ties between the USDA and local institutions.
The Indianapolis hub is one of five, with others located in Raleigh, Kansas City, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 USDA employees will remain in Washington, D.C., continuing national operations.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Education