6.1: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Provide citizens access to records on USDA’s activities, policies, and actions.

Other Information:

One of the most important aspects of open government is public accessibility to its information and records. Providing citizens access to records on USDA’s activities, policies, and actions ensures that it is operating transparently and responsive to citizens’ needs. While USDA strives to make as much of its information available as possible, it cannot publish all the information citizens might want to access. To accommodate specific requests for records and information, USDA has an established program, both at the Departmental and agency levels, to comply with FOIA requirements. All USDA records, except those exempt from disclosure due to legal exemptions and exclusions, are available to the public upon request. The Department operates a public FOIA Web page that provides information on the process and procedures for members of the public to submit a FOIA request. This web page list the process for the public to follow to start new requests. It also lists the Department’s main FOIA contact and each agency’s FOIA representative. USDA maintains an electronic reading room for the public to view reports and records. Specific records are made available by request. Members of the public may make appointments with the Department’s FOIA officer to use the electronic reading room. This capability reduces the need for paper-based FOIA transactions. It also reduces the time required for citizens to view the records they request. The Department compiles annual reports detailing its FOIA requests. These reports are submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice and made available to the public. Several agencies currently have plans for reducing the backlog of FOIA requests. An overall USDA FOIA Improvement Plan is also available for public viewing.

Stakeholder(s):

• Citizens

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

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