Welcome to the United States Department of Agriculture Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) web-site!
USDA offers several ways to submit a FOIA request. Instructions for all methods are listed below.
Submit Online via USDA’s Public Access Link (PAL)
PAL is a web portal that allows you to create, submit, and track the status of your FOIA request(s). Prior to use, you must register and create a username and password using the link below. Please note the submission site does not currently provide the ability to submit a single FOIA request to multiple agencies. You can, however, easily submit the same request to multiple agencies or in the alternative you can submit one request to the Office of the Chief Information Officer (“OCIO”) detailing the agencies likely to maintain responsive records. Upon receipt, the OCIO will then forward your request.
Submit via Email or Mail
FOIA requests can also be submitted via email or mail to any one of USDA’s agencies. Please use the link below to access the FOIA Points of Contact for email or mail submissions.
Freedom of Information Act Servicing Centers
Animal Plant Health Inspections Service
Agricultural Marketing Service
National Agricultural Statistical Service
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Natural Resource Conservation Service
Office of Budget and Program Analysis
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office of the Inspector General