How Were We Created?

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), was administratively established by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1962 following a major criminal fraud scandal affecting several agencies within USDA. OIG was later legislatively established by Congress under the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.

What Do We Do?

•  Conduct independent and objective audits.

•  Promote economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

•  Prevent and detect fraud, waste and abuse.

•  Review pending legislation and regulation.

•  Keep USDA officials and the Congress informed.

What Are Our Authorities And Responsibilities?

•  Have access to records and information of the agency.

•  Monitor and assess risks and areas of emphasis in USDA programs and operations.

•  Conduct audits and issue audit reports to address critical risks in USDA vulnerabilities.

•  Hire and manage a workforce with the skills and abilities to meet our challenges.

How Do We Contribute To Good Government?

•  Offer analysis and advice on critical agency initiatives, such the nation's commercial supply of imported or domestic meat, poultry, and egg products; protection of animal and plant resources from exotic invasive pests; benefit and entitlement programs like food stamps; scientific research; farm commodity programs; loan and grant programs; international food assistance; and conservation of our natural resources.

•  Look independently at problems and recommend possible solutions.

•  Issue fact-filled reports based on professional audit standards.

•  Provide technical and/or consultative advice as new issues develop.

What Are Our Goals?

Goal 1: Support USDA in the enhancement of safety and security measures to protect USDA agricultural resources and in related public health concerns.

Goal 2: Reduce program vulnerabilities and enhance program integrity in the delivery of benefits to individuals.

Goal 3: Increase the efficiency and effectiveness with which USDA manages and employs public assets and resources including physical and information resources.