USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service Celebrates Its
50th Anniversary

Throughout 2003, the Foreign Agricultural Service of USDA will celebrate 50 years of service to the United States and the world. Over the past five decades, FAS has opened dynamic new markets for U.S. foods, developed relationships with private sector organizations, sent agricultural attachés to foreign nations to represent U.S. interests, created credit solutions to facilitate the purchase of U.S. products and supplied food and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. 

This site has been created to reflect on and celebrate the past 50 years.  

House of Representatives Recognizes FAS 

Reps. Bob Goodlatte, Charles Stenholm and Jim McGovern sponsored  (VA) House Joint Resolution 49 to the House of Representatives, recognizing the 50th anniversary of FAS and its ongoing work representing American agriculture overseas.

Senate Passes Resolution Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Foreign Agricultural Service

U.S. Senate Resolution 106, passed with unanimous consent, recognizes FAS and its important work overseas throughout its 50-year history.  

Proclamation by Secretary of  Agriculture Ann M. Veneman 

Secretary Veneman released a formal proclamation to mark the 50th anniversary of the Foreign Agricultural Service.
Proclamation Text
PDF of Proclamation

The 50th Anniversary Ceremony was a great success!

On March 10th, FAS hosted a special ceremony at USDA's Washington headquarters to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event was webcasted live over the internet, and can be viewed with Real Player. 

Special Issues of the AgExporter Magazine Celebrate FAS 50th Anniversary!

March 2003 Highlights (.pdf) 

- Letter From Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman
- The History of the Foreign Agricultural Service
- A timeline of FAS's major milestones
- FAS Attachés: U.S. Agriculture's Eyes and Ears Abroad
- Exports Then and Now 

December 2003  (.pdf)

- In Pursuit of Opportunity: FAS and Foreign Market Development

Check back throughout the year for updates and special features, including:

Special Issue of the AgExporter magazine -

July 2004 -- Featuring an article on agricultural development and food aid

Last modified: Thursday, October 14, 2004 PM