U.S. Department of Agriculture
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.
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.
The USDA has announced details around its $75 million investment in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production.
The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research.
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.
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.
The USDA has announced up to $10 million in available competitive grant funding through the 2023 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program.
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.
The USDA is reminding specialty crop growers that assistance is available for producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses.
Grants will help expand local access to fresh produce, increase produce education and strengthen regional food systems.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the department will provide funding to strengthen global food security through its two premier international development programs.
Focusing on the seed and meat industries, the department has announced several steps intended to foster fair and competitive markets for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced additional assistance to help producers in the recovery process.
The USDA has announced its intent to purchase up to $25 million in fresh citrus from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs.
Based on findings of a pest risk analysis, the USDA said it determined that specified phytosanitary measures will mitigate the risks of introducing plant pests or weeds via fruit imports.
Six new appointees will serve three-year terms on the 18-member board.
The Desoto, Texas, company satisfied a reparation order issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Following White House directives, USDA is honoring existing contracts with farmers, releasing approximately $20 million for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
The appointees include representatives from Sunkist Growers, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, National Potato Council, Blue Diamond Growers and more.
The Conservation Connector directory allows users to search programs by crop, conservation practice, and geography to help producers and their advisers find relevant local programs.
An additional $6 million is expected to help the organization build on gains supported by a previous funding allocation.
Rollins’ confirmation was expected, as the Senate maintains its quick pace of confirming President Trump’s key cabinet positions.
From IFPA to the CEA Alliance to the NPC, the fresh produce industry is eager to collaborate with Brooke Rollins.
Funding will allow states, territories, and federally recognized tribes to purchase locally produced foods for distribution to emergency food providers, schools and child care centers.
The USDA has imposed sanctions on five produce businesses in Texas, Florida, New Jersey and Oregon for violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Sanctions include suspending the businesses’ Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act licenses and barring the principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business without USDA approval.
The International Fresh Produce Association is “concerned” by a proposed reduction in starchy vegetables, despite their nutritional value.
The 25 representatives advise the agriculture secretary on key issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry.
The council, which supports the marketing and promotion of highbush blueberries, added nine members and 10 alternate members.
In 2025, overall food prices are anticipated to rise at a slower pace than the historical average rate of growth.