USDA ≠ Rural America. Over 90% of rural Americans are not farmers. And as @anthonypipa writes, there are 400 federal rural economic and community development programs that span 13 departments. BUT there is no central rural strategy at the federal level. https://www.brookings.edu/research/reimagining-rural-policy-organizing-federal-assistance-to-maximize-rural-prosperity/

The vast majority of rural people don't see USDA as representing the interests of rural America. Rural people see USDA as representing the interests of big farms and big corporations.

AND our extensive polling of rural swing voters shows that rural people HATE corporate lobbyists. So if you think a corporate lobbyist at USDA is gonna win over rural voters I got bad news for you.

The fact is, USDA has nothing for the vast majority of rural people. That's why we need a National Office of Rural Prosperity. https://www.stormlake.com/articles/joe-biden-should-pledge-to-create-a-national-office-of-rural-prosperity/