USDA
USDA: $3.8 million available for organic farming research
USDA announced the availability of $3.8 million to support research, education, and extension projects that will assist current organic producers and those transitioning into organic farming. The funding is available through the Organic Transitions Program,... more »
USDA report: No safety concern for pesticide residues on U.S. food
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2014 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary, which confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the... more »
USDA awards $3 million for robotics research
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced $3 million in grants to advance the use of co-robots that benefit and assist stakeholders in America’s production agriculture field. These three grants are... more »
Produce industry reacts to new USDA dietary guidelines
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recently released the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The recommendations focus on five overarching guidelines and what foods to consume more or less of. Here are... more »
HHS, USDA release new dietary guidelines
HHS and USDA have released the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 8th edition of the Dietary Guidelines includes five overarching guidelines and suggestions on foods Americans should consume. The guidelines focus on the variety... more »
USDA expands organic assessment exemption
The USDA recently issued a final rule to expand the exemption for certified organic products from assessments collected by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The rule will be effective on Feb. 29. As directed... more »
Wild bee decline threatens US crop production
The first... more »
USDA to host international drought workshop
Drought management experts from Israel and Australia will join U.S. scientists in California for a workshop in Modesto on Jan. 12 and 13. The two-day event, "Proven Solutions to Drought Stress: Water Management Strategies for Perennial Crops... more »
Only active farm managers eligible for safety-net payments
USDA has finalized a rule to ensure that farm safety-net payments are issued only to active managers of farms that operate as joint ventures or general partnerships, consistent with the direction and authority provide by... more »
Organizations get funding to expand commercial export markets
USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has awarded fiscal year 2016 funding to more than 60 U.S. agricultural organizations to help expand commercial export markets for U.S. goods. The Market Access Program (MAP) focuses on consumer promotion,... more »