Established in 1862, the USDA aims to expand markets for agricultural products, provide financing for job opportunities and improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, improve nutrition and health, and manage and protect public and private lands. The agency primarily engages in agriculture, biotechnology, forestry, conservation, food and nutrition, and environmental resources, and works to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural trade and production, protect natural resources, foster rural communities, and end hunger in the United States and abroad.