USDA
USDA awards millions to support specialty crop production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded more than $113 million in program grants to support farmers growing specialty crops through research, agricultural Extension activities, and programs to increase demand and address the needs of... more »
USDA grants assist in science-based biotechnology risk assessment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than $4 million in grants that will provide federal policy makers with scientific knowledge to identify and develop appropriate management practices to minimize any risks associated with genetically... more »
USDA NASS begins gathering food safety data about fruit operations nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is now surveying produce packers and other post-harvest businesses to help fruit and vegetables operations as they prepare to implement new federal food safety requirements.... more »
USDA commits $2.5 million to expand new farmer education
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs... more »
USDA Fruit and Vegetable Program changes name to Specialty Crops Program
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is changing the name of the Fruit and Vegetable Program to the Specialty Crops Program effective immediately. Because of the expansion of products covered, the program name is being changed to... more »
AMS previews expansion of successful GroupGAP pilot program
At a Sept. 15 meeting of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Anne Alonzo previewed the planned expansion of a pilot program that helps small... more »
USDA: New wash for sanitizing fresh produce
An Agricultural Research Service scientist in Pennsylvania has developed a sanitizing wash formulated with natural compounds that could reduce the number of foodborne illnesses caused each year by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Listeria on fresh-cut produce. Food processors sometimes use chlorinated... more »
USDA awards $8.3 million in grants to support agriculture research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded more than $8.3 million in grants to small businesses for advanced research and development projects that will lead to technological innovations and... more »
Most of rented farmland is owned by non-farmers
Agricultural producers rented and farmed 353.8 million acres of farmland, according to the results of the 2014 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) survey results released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s... more »
Current Issue
On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions
Data collection tool expands farm management
Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard
IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights
IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees
Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals
Fresh Views 40 Under 40
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