Latest News From U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDA awards nearly $10M in Organic Market Development Grants
USDA awards nearly $10M in Organic Market Development Grants

The grant-funded projects will support the development and expansion of new and existing organic markets to increase the consumption of domestic organic agricultural products.

USDA offers $3M in funding for climate-smart production
USDA offers $3M in funding for climate-smart production

The funding is earmarked to educate small-scale, underserved and organic farmers on risk management and climate-smart practices.

New app helps growers avoid leaving climate-smart funding on the table
New app helps growers avoid leaving climate-smart funding on the table

Farm Journal’s beta Climate-Smart Opportunity Navigator tool seeks to match growers with Climate-Smart Commodities grants tailored to their operation.

USDA designates Alabama as commercial citrus-producing area
USDA designates Alabama as commercial citrus-producing area

Based on feedback from the state, USDA extended the designation of commercial citrus-producing area to Alabama to provide growers with federal protections from citrus pests and diseases.

USDA program helps growers with food safety expenses
USDA program helps growers with food safety expenses

The USDA is reminding specialty crop growers that assistance is available for producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses.

New Legislation Would Require USDA to Study Fertilizer Industry
New Legislation Would Require USDA to Study Fertilizer Industry

The Fertilizer Research Act has been introduced by three senators to require USDA to study competition and trends in the fertilizer market.

USDA to host online seminar on farm labor pilot program
USDA to host online seminar on farm labor pilot program

The purpose of the pilot program is to improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by addressing challenges agricultural employers face with labor shortages and instability, the USDA says.

The Organic Center awarded nearly $900K in USDA research grants
The Organic Center awarded nearly $900K in USDA research grants

The organic nonprofit was awarded nearly $900,000 by the USDA’s Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative to collaborate in four organic research and education projects.

USDA invests $25M more into food loss programs
USDA invests $25M more into food loss programs

The federal agency is expanding its existing food loss and food waste prevention and reduction initiatives through the American Rescue Plan Act.

India slashes tariffs on blueberries, cranberries and other U.S. ag exports
India slashes tariffs on blueberries, cranberries and other U.S. ag exports

After recent tariff lifts on apples, walnuts and almonds, India has slashed tariffs for additional U.S. exports, including include blueberries and cranberries, signaling increased opportunities for American producers.

TIPA reacts to USDA changes in reporting lime prices
TIPA reacts to USDA changes in reporting lime prices

USDA Market News will now report lime prices similar to the manner in which apple, cucumber and bell pepper prices are reported.

USDA introduces resources for local and regional food system leaders
USDA introduces resources for local and regional food system leaders

The USDA has announced new resources to help local and regional food systems leaders prepare and respond to disruptions to their food systems.

Florida citrus marketing order changed
Florida citrus marketing order changed

The USDA says Florida citrus producers voted to amend the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in the state.

USDA announces $10M in grant funding available for Specialty Crop Multi-State Program
USDA announces $10M in grant funding available for Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

The USDA has announced up to $10 million in available competitive grant funding through the 2023 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program.

USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Illinois produce business
USDA lifts PACA reparation sanctions on Illinois produce business

The USDA announced that August Battaglia, doing business as QMP Sales, satisfied a $2,575 reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act involving unpaid produce transactions.

USDA announces $72.9M in grant funding to support U.S. specialty crop producers
USDA announces $72.9M in grant funding to support U.S. specialty crop producers

The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research.

USDA seeks comment on draft pest risk assessment for passion fruit from Vietnam
USDA seeks comment on draft pest risk assessment for passion fruit from Vietnam

The draft pest risk assessment for consumption of passion fruit from Vietnam will be available for review and comment until Sept. 9.

Capitol Hill celebrates National Blueberry Month
Capitol Hill celebrates National Blueberry Month

Representatives in Washington D.C., enjoyed blueberries during the first National Blueberry Month this July, whether through tasting berry-laden treats or advocating for agriculture policy.

USDA and Washington State University break ground on ag research center
USDA and Washington State University break ground on ag research center

The new center is putting words to action, underscoring the USDA’s commitment to agricultural research and science at land-grant universities.

USDA restricts PACA violators from operating in produce industry
USDA restricts PACA violators from operating in produce industry

The USDA has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce.

USDA files action against California company for alleged PACA violations
USDA files action against California company for alleged PACA violations

The USDA has filed an administrative complaint against VIP Marketing Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

USDA downgrades 2022-23 citrus estimates
USDA downgrades 2022-23 citrus estimates

The July 12 crop production report showed reductions in 2022-23 estimates for oranges, grapefruit and lemons but an increase for tangerines.

USDA highlights plant health protection accomplishments
USDA highlights plant health protection accomplishments

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has released its 2022 Impact Report, which notes that the agency cleared 2.82 billion pounds of fresh produce from 19 countries before it shipped to the U.S.

USDA report examines agribusiness concentration and competition
USDA report examines agribusiness concentration and competition

A new 57-page report from the USDA looks at concentration and competition in U.S. agribusiness, including food retailing.

USDA to purchase fresh grapefruit
USDA to purchase fresh grapefruit

Purchases will be made with the purpose of encouraging the continued domestic consumption of these products by diverting them from the normal channels of trade and commerce, the USDA says.

The tiny but mighty army powering food production
The tiny but mighty army powering food production

In honor of National Pollinator Week, the USDA and others are highlighting how to support birds, bees, bats and butterflies — and why they matter.

NASA and USDA to increase collaborative efforts, including ag research
NASA and USDA to increase collaborative efforts, including ag research

The USDA and NASA are doubling down on agency collaborations that will improve agricultural research and data application, along with fostering the next generation of science and agriculture leaders.

U.S. Farm Report
John Phipps: The New Technology Helping Cool the GMO Debate

CRISPR results are identical to results of conventional breeding, and it's nearly impossible to differentiate from conventional vs CRISPR. The breeding tool is also having an impact on the apprehension of GMOs.

Transitioning to organic production? Here's how the USDA can help
Transitioning to organic production? Here's how the USDA can help

The USDA has announced details around its $75 million investment in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production.

Top 7 pie heroes that make Pi Day worth celebrating
Top 7 pie heroes that make Pi Day worth celebrating

The USDA has named the top crops produced in the U.S. that make the math-inspired holiday much sweeter.

Is climate-smart agriculture poised for a breakout year?
Is climate-smart agriculture poised for a breakout year?

Ag experts and producers are sharing how they sift through the hype and find practical ways to move the needle.

USDA selects five states to test mobile contactless payments in SNAP
USDA selects five states to test mobile contactless payments in SNAP

In the next few years, SNAP participants in these states will have the option to use mobile payment methods — like tapping or scanning their personal mobile device — as an alternative to their physical SNAP card.

New H-2A wage rule is met with criticism from industry groups
New H-2A wage rule is met with criticism from industry groups

Fresh produce advocates have voiced concerns over new H-2A wage rate updates, with one calling it a "fatally flawed" approach to setting adverse effect wage rates that should be "scrapped in its entirety."

USDA takes swift action on ambitious Equity Commission road map to reform
USDA takes swift action on ambitious Equity Commission road map to reform

A President Biden-appointed Equity Commission has outlined a path for USDA reform. The ag agency is already making changes, offering farm assistance and appointing a chief diversity and inclusion officer.

USDA sets meeting date for Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee
USDA sets meeting date for Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

The meeting will examine the “fruit and vegetable industry issues and provide recommendations and ideas on how USDA can tailor programs and services to better meet the needs of the U.S. produce industry."

USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum packs 30 panels and keynotes in 2 days
USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum packs 30 panels and keynotes in 2 days

The hybrid conference seeks to impart thought-provoking advancements and updates from the USDA’s 29 agencies, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack leading the event.

USDA: Ag exports to sag, imports to grow slowly in next 10 years
USDA: Ag exports to sag, imports to grow slowly in next 10 years

USDA trade projections through 2032 call for U.S. ag exports to decline at an annual rate averaging 0.7% per year, ending at $182.2 billion in 2032.

Oranges
Citrus production still headed lower, USDA predicts

The USDA predicts U.S. citrus output will decline from 11.2 billion pounds in 2022 to 9.8 billion pounds in 2032.

USDA approves mango imports from Grenada 
USDA approves mango imports from Grenada 

Imports can begin starting Feb. 15, the USDA said.

2022 was a banner year for U.S. farm exports, says agriculture secretary
2022 was a banner year for U.S. farm exports, says agriculture secretary

U.S. agricultural exports reached $196 billion, with sales in seven agricultural export markets setting records, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Chicago Public Schools selected for new 'SnackTime Explorers' program, bringing food education to classrooms
Chicago Public Schools selected for new 'SnackTime Explorers' program, bringing food education to classrooms

The educational toolkit supplements the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and transforms “eating your fruits and veggies” into an exciting adventure.

USDA’s latest school meal guidance proves fresh fruits and veggies are always in style
USDA’s latest school meal guidance proves fresh fruits and veggies are always in style

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s new initiatives lean into science-based nutrition updates to school lunches that tackle added sugar and sodium and support domestic and locally grown sourcing options.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service touts 2022 accomplishments
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service touts 2022 accomplishments

The agency said it has supported the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to transform the food system by building "more and better markets" for U.S. farmers and ranchers and improving and modernizing resources.

Organic certifiers recognized by National Organic Program
Organic certifiers recognized by National Organic Program

The USDA National Organic Program has recognized the work of accredited organic certifiers with awards for extraordinary support of the National Organic Standards.

USDA modifies kiwifruit federal marketing order
USDA modifies kiwifruit federal marketing order

The action will revise the size and uniformity requirements for all varieties of the Actinidia chinensis species of kiwifruit regulated under the marketing order.

Ag Groups File Lawsuit to Challenge EPA's "Vague" New WOTUS Definition
Ag Groups File Lawsuit to Challenge EPA's "Vague" New WOTUS Definition

Farm Bureau's Duvall says the rule puts farmers and ranchers in a position where they will have to hire lawyers and consultants to establish the boundaries of farming.

USDA’s new organic rule tackles fraud
USDA’s new organic rule tackles fraud

The Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule, filed unofficially by the USDA on Jan. 18, represents the biggest update in the program’s history and bolsters organic integrity according to industry leaders.

Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule expected to publish Jan. 18
Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule expected to publish Jan. 18

The organic enforcement final rule is expected to publish Jan. 18, the USDA has confirmed with The Packer, which separately met with Jonathan Veley of the USDA to discuss organic produce.

New toolkit from USDA launched to improve support to underserved growers
New toolkit from USDA launched to improve support to underserved growers

GroupGAP was set up by the USDA and other federal agriculture agencies to support specialty crop growers, minimize food safety risk and connect with new and existing markets.

USDA says nearly all fresh produce meets EPA standard for pesticide residue
USDA says nearly all fresh produce meets EPA standard for pesticide residue

Less than 1% of food tested for pesticide residue in 2021 showed results exceeding EPA tolerance levels, according to an annual Pesticide Data Program report.