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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
U.S. agricultural exports reached $196 billion, with sales in seven agricultural export markets setting records, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The educational toolkit supplements the USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and transforms “eating your fruits and veggies” into an exciting adventure.
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.
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.
The USDA National Organic Program has recognized the work of accredited organic certifiers with awards for extraordinary support of the National Organic Standards.
The action will revise the size and uniformity requirements for all varieties of the Actinidia chinensis species of kiwifruit regulated under the marketing order.
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.
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.
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.
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.