WASHINGTON (WCAX) – Most of the workforce at USAID is now on administrative leave, and experts say that could impact Vermonters.

It comes as the Trump administration looks to cut spending and the federal workforce, despite the small department only amounting to 0.7% of the federal budget.

Experts say some Vermonters could be affected as companies with offices here– like Tetra Tech and World Learning– lose out on billions in government contracts.

“We will see people whose benefits or full-on employment is negatively affected by what is happening at USAID,” said Sarah Stroup, a political science professor at Middlebury College.

Also impacted is a U.S. food aid program which provides produce and other food abroad.

Reports have shown there may be at least five Vermont farms that had contracts for food aid programs run by USAID.

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