USDA

Specialty crop, commodity growers eligible for $6B in disaster relief

The U. S Department of Agriculture announced May 16 that commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments totaling approximately $6 billion.... more »

USDA to host virtual event on mental health support

In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host a free, virtual convening over three days to highlight the mental health challenges farmers face. The virtual event takes... more »

USDA seeks nominations for National Pollinator Subcommittee

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is strengthening its commitment to advancing research and programmatic priorities that support pollinator health by soliciting nominations for members to serve on its newly formed USDA National Pollinator Subcommittee. The... more »

New guide to USDA sustainable farming programs published

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has published its brand new, fully updated Growing Opportunity: A Guide to USDA Sustainable Farming Programs. This free, comprehensive, practical guide is for farmers and ranchers who want to better... more »

American Rescue Plan technical assistance program accepting grant applications

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Technical Assistance Investment Program to provide historically underserved farmers, ranchers and forest landowners technical support in accessing USDA programs and... more »

USDA to invest $250M in innovative American-made fertilizer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will support additional fertilizer production for American farmers to address rising costs, including the impact of Putin’s price hike on farmers, and spur competition. USDA will make available $250... more »

USDA announces supplemental American Rescue Plan funding available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced supplemental American Rescue Plan Act funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). The program will receive a total of $130 million in supplemental American Rescue Plan... more »

USDA pauses plans for new organic marketing board

The USDA has ended a proposed rule to establish a national research and promotion program for certified organic products. The decision also terminates the proposed rule on referendum procedures. USDA based the termination on lack... more »

USDA clarifies stance on plant breeding, genome editing

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue March 28 issued a statement providing clarification on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oversight of plants produced through innovative new breeding techniques which include techniques called genome editing.... more »

$8.4 M given for veterans and disadvantaged growers

Up to $8.4 million of funding will be available for training and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged growers and veterans growers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Partnerships & Public Engagement (OPPE) announced... more »