USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

50th Anniversary Ceremony

On March 10th, FAS  hosted a special ceremony at USDA's Washington headquarters to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event was well attended by current FAS employees, retirees, private sector partners, and other members of the USDA family.

The event was webcasted live over the internet. You can watch the complete event here. You will need Real Player installed on your computer to view the event.

Speakers included Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman and FAS Administrator Ellen Terpstra. A transcript of Secretary Veneman's remarks are available here. 

Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas made a special appearance, during which he announced that the Mc-Govern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program will be administered by FAS.

Music was provided by the string quartet of the U.S. Army band and the chorus of the Oyster Bilingual Elementary school, and the event featured displays of foreign language marketing materials for U.S. agricultural products, photos from FAS's history, and more. 

Last modified: Thursday, October 14, 2004 PM