USDA
Farm Action group pushes specialty crops to reduce ag trade deficit
Domestic production of high-value, nutrient-dense crops has long been on the decline in the U.S., with the majority of acreage shifting to livestock feed and fuel production, according to Farm Action, an activist organization working... more »
USDA appoints specialty crops industry members to ag advisory committees
The USDA and U.S. Trade Representative’s Office have appointed 130 representatives to serve four-year terms on seven agricultural trade advisory committees, including the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. There are... more »
USDA expands crop insurance to cover grapevine loss
The USDA is expanding crop insurance options with a new grapevine insurance program to cover loss of grafted vines caused by natural perils such as freeze or fire. The new program also will complement the... more »
USDA awards $72.9 million in Specialty Crop Block Grant funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced $72.9 million awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the... more »
Organic transition webinar scheduled
A series of webinars will tackle how growers can transition to organic production. The first one, scheduled for Aug. 29, Navigating the Transition to Organic: A Roadmap for Success, is scheduled for. The event, scheduled... more »
Pacific Northwest pear growers vote to keep marketing order
Pear producers in Washington and Oregon have voted to continue their federal marketing order this year, with the largest margin in the order’s history. Pear growers vote every six years on whether or not to... more »
Bill would boost organic research, priorities at USDA
The Organic Science and Research Investment Act seeks to promote organic research priorities at the USDA and through expanded funding at research agencies and universities. Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Peter Welch, D-Vt.,... more »
Rural advocacy group criticizes USDA funding blocking
Rural Voices USA, an organization that promotes the interests of rural Americans, is expressing opposition to Republican efforts delaying passage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture FY24 funding bill. Lawmakers must meet a Sept. 30... more »
Resource on Strengthening Organic Enforcement available
Consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal has fueled industry growth and market expansion, according to the agency’s National Organic Program (NOP), which is tasked with ensuring rules protect the organic market as it grows.... more »
USDA designates Georgia, Southeast counties disaster areas after March freeze
The United States Department of Agriculture has declared 18 Georgia counties as primary natural disaster areas. The disaster declaration follows March freezes that damaged Georgia’s peach and pecan crops and other crops. Growers in North... more »
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