Over 1,000 employees have allegedly resigned from two divisions within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of a federal government downsizing initiative, NBC News reported, citing an internal USDA email.

The email, reportedly obtained from a USDA staffer, reveals that the department has asked those who submitted their resignations to remain in their roles until April 30. This request is due to what the USDA described as a "significant and sudden loss of knowledge and experience" across its divisions.

The resignations stem from participation in a "deferred resignation" program, which provides federal employees with several months of paid leave before their official departure date. The program has been implemented in multiple federal agencies as part of the current administration’s push to streamline government operations and reduce bureaucratic overhead.

While the USDA has not confirmed exact numbers publicly, the internal communication reportedly highlights deep concern over the operational impact of the mass exits. Staffers have raised alarms about the effect this knowledge gap may have on the agency’s day-to-day functions, particularly in areas involving agriculture research and food policy oversight.

Critics of the downsizing plan argue that the loss of experienced personnel could disrupt the USDA’s mission and hinder critical services provided to farmers, food safety programs, and rural communities. Supporters, on the other hand, view the initiative as a necessary step to increase government efficiency and reduce spending.

The USDA is expected to announce further internal measures to mitigate the impact of the resignations and ensure continuity of essential operations. However, concerns remain high among remaining staff about how quickly the department can recover from such a widespread talent loss.

As April 30 approaches, the agency faces a crucial deadline to stabilize its workforce and retain core institutional knowledge amid the transition. More details are anticipated as the department evaluates its next steps.