USDA
USDA expands insurance options for specialty, organic growers
Apples, pears, prunes and other fruits and vegetables are to benefit from changes in USDA's crop insurance options. The USDA is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers starting with the 2025 crop... more »
Fresh produce import inspection fee changes proposed
Imported produce fees may see changes. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing altering the regulations governing the inspection and certification of imported fresh fruits, vegetables and other products. The proposed changes, announced on... more »
Tree fruit, berries, grapes receive USDA market promotion funds
Apples, cherries, pears, cranberries, table grapes and watermelons are among the commodities receiving federal funds for promotion and market development funding. The funding is part of $300 million allocated to 66 U.S. organizations under the... more »
Cornell University, USDA break ground on new grape research facility
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new state-of-the-art USDA grape research facility on the Cornell AgriTech campus, which was hosted by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life... more »
USDA hosts webinar on disadvantaged farmer grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to introduce individuals to its grant application process benefiting underserved and disadvantaged farmers through a webinar. Community-based and nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, and Tribal-serving organizations are... more »
USDA recruits US exporters for trade mission to Vietnam
The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from current and potential U.S. exporters for a trade mission to Vietnam, Sept. 9-13, 2024. Participants will attend events in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and... more »
Report: US ag exports generate $412B economic output in 2022
The value of U.S. agricultural exports totaled $197.4 billion in 2022 and generated $214.6 billion in economic activity for a total economic output of $412 billion, according to new USDA numbers. Exports comprised both commodities... more »
USApple talks labor with Secretary of Agriculture, Labor Secretary
The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) entered into some high-level meetings with Washington, DC, officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, about the difficult topic of labor. On May 20, Jim Bair, USApple president and CEO,... more »
NASS releases ag census congressional district profiles, rankings
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the Congressional District Profiles and Rankings from the 2022 Census of Agriculture. This summary presents data by congressional district from the 118th Congress that includes land, farms,... more »
Bill aims to increase Specialty Crop Block Grant funding
U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Laphonza Butler (D-California) have introduced a bill to increase the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization by $15 million. The Specialty Crops Security Act increases the authorization for... more »
Current Issue
Ridgefest 2025: Michigan apple growers hit the mark with orchard strategies
Ridgefest: soil, water considerations spur orchard success
Michigan Viticulture Field Day’s air, ground approaches aid vineyard management
Fresh Views: Sustainability for the future of farming
GLEXPO preview: Bringing innovation and tradition to the Great Lakes EXPO
New MSHS leader follows father’s tree fruit leadership
Farm Market & Agritourism: What to do when market fluctuation affects prices
Ag Labor Review: A light at the end of the tunnel
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