—story by Kate Prengaman and Ross Courtney On Feb. 13, the Trump administration began serious cutbacks to the federal workforce, terminating thousands of recently hired employees across numerous agencies, including scientists and technicians working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture on tree fruit and grape research projects.  The action was led by the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is an administration initiative and not a formal department. No official count of fired employees was released. The new administration also froze USDA grant funding, including cost-share contracts with growers. Those fired include dozens of scientists and support staff, […]