The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an organization that provides integrated program delivery for food and agriculture systems. The organization handles cases related to expanding markets for agricultural products and supporting international economic development. It develops alternative markets for agricultural products and activities. The organization also works to improve housing, utilities and infrastructure in the rural areas. The U.S. Department of Agriculture handles cases related to food safety and improving nutrition and health by providing food assistance and nutrition education. The organization s national appeals division handles administrative appeals arising from program activities of the farm service agency, rural housing service and rural utilities service. It maintains agriculture marketing service, farm service agency and rural development divisions. Its risk management division promotes, supports and regulates risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of agriculture in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Agriculture maintains an office in El Paso, Texas