USDA

California ag officials toured invasive pest programs

Despite this unprecedented level of infestations, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the USDA in collaboration with County Agricultural Commissioners announced that, after a year of hard work, all populations of invasive fruit... more »

USDA expands 2025 grapevine crop insurance coverage

The USDA is set to enhance its grapevine crop insurance program for the 2025 crop year. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) will now cover grapevines grafted between six and 12 months old, reducing the grafting... more »

California processing tomato production drops 12%

California’s contracted production of processing tomatoes is forecasted to fall 12% in 2024, according to a report released by the USDA. The state is expected to produce 11.3 million tons of processing tomatoes this year,... more »

Young Farmers responds to USDA discrimination financial payments

A group representing you farmers is reacting to USDA discrimination financial payments. In July 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) opened the claims process for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), authorized by... more »

New members sought for agricultural trade advisory committees

The USDA and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are seeking new members to serve on the agricultural trade advisory committees. Committee information The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives... more »

Organic market development grants released by USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has awarded $9.7 million for 13 grant projects through the Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program. The funding brings the total amount awarded through the program... more »

Grants for farmers: Part 1: Grant listings

Are there grants for farmers? Yes! Read on to see several directories of the grant programs that farmers can apply for. Each listing has links for numerous grants as well as details on how and... more »

Ohio State University hosts Berry Field Night for experienced and novice growers

Ohio State University South Centers will host the Ohio Berry Field Night on Aug. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event, to be held at 1864 Shyville Road, aims to provide both novice and... more »

USDA program assists new organic growers

As the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) nears the 1.5-year mark of its five-year mission, participation in the $100 million initiative’s mentorship program continues to grow. TOPP uses a variety of methods, including... more »

USDA overhauls Farm Loan Programs for greater financial flexibility

Fresh produce growers are set to benefit from new changes to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Programs, which will take effect on Sept. 25, 2024. These updates aim to bolster financial viability,... more »