What is the federal agency that accepts applications for new patents?

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) is responsible for policies related to food, agriculture, and rural development, not patent applications.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that is specifically tasked with examining and issuing U.S. patents to inventors and businesses, as well as registering trademarks.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor focused on ensuring safe and healthful working conditions, not intellectual property.

The SEC (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission) is an independent federal agency that protects investors and maintains fair securities markets, not involved with patent applications.