Which APIs & Mobile Websites Should USDA Launch by 2013?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for  input from the public to help determine the Application Programming Interfaces (API) and mobile optimized websites they should prioritize development of between now and May 23, 2013. This Digital Strategy roadmap is part of their commitment to fulfill the Office of Management and Budget’s government-wide mandate to make “existing high-value data available through Web APIs.”

The USDA will be choosing two APIs and two mobile optimized services from the list below. I was surprised to see the National Nutrient Database was not included in the API list, given that almost every technology company with a nutrition or ingredient component uses this database. USDA Director of  Web Communications Amanda Eamich assures me that this is just the beginning of the process, so your feedback is really important. You can let the USDA know which APIs and mobile services would be most useful to you here.

APIs

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
Provides USDA’s comprehensive forecasts of supply and demand for major U.S. and global crops and U.S. livestock. The report gathers information from a number of statistical reports published by USDA and other government agencies, and provides a framework for additional USDA reports.
Main Customers: Government, Business, Media, Education Institutions, Consumers

National Farmers Market Directory
Agricultural Marketing Service-produced directory containing information about U.S. farmers market locations, directions, operating times, product offerings, and accepted forms of payment. Supports local and regional food systems, as well as development of local economies.
Main Customers: Consumers, Business, Community leaders

List of Disaster Counties
Farm Service Agency list of Counties with a specific disaster designation.
Main Customers: Producers, Farmers, Government, Media

Office Information Profile System
USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This tool provides the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving your area along with information on how to contact them. Main Customers: Government, Business, Public

SNAP Retailer Locator information
Find a retailer welcomes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transaction (EBT) customers. Currently available as an interactive map with geocoded information available by download as a .CSV file. Locations updated monthly
Main Customers: Public

Mobile Optimized

Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory
The Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory is a listing of establishments that produce meat, poultry, and/or egg products regulated by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) pursuant to the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act, and the Egg Products Inspection Act. Directory is updated monthly.
Main Customers: Business, Industry, Government, Consumers

USDA Newsroom
The USDA Newsroom holds official news releases, statements, transcripts and speeches released by the Department.
Main Customers: Government, Public, Media

USDA Blog The Blog features content from all USDA agencies and features the latest news, events and features. The Blog also provides the public an opportunity to ask questions or share their thoughts about the latest issues.
Main Customers: Government, Public, Media

AmberWaves eZine
As the Economic Research Service’s (ERS) flagship publication, Amber Waves provides a window into ERS research through highly readable articles geared to educated but non-specialized audiences. Amber Waves covers important issues on U.S. markets & trade, diet & health, resources & environment, rural issues in easy to digest articles, with comprehensive links to ERS website for more details. Main Customers: Government, Media, Researchers, Education Institutions

Office Information Profile System
USDA Service Centers are designed to be a single location where customers can access the services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies. This tool provides the address of a USDA Service Center and other Agency offices serving your area along with information on how to contact them.
Main Customers: Government, Business, Public