The USDA Homeland Security Council is an internal organization designed to work in partnership with the Office of Homeland Security, the National Security Council, and other Departments. The Council is responsible for establishing overall USDA Homeland Security policy, coordinating department- wide homeland security issues, tracking USDA progress on homeland security objectives, and appointing a representative to interagency or other external groups. The Council also ensures that information, research, and resources are shared and activities are coordinated with other Federal agencies.