USDA
Specialty crop food safety costs to be reimbursed by USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for... more »
$73 million in specialty crop grants boost competitiveness
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding $72.9 million through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to fund projects designed to support the expanding specialty crop sector and explore new market opportunities for U.S.... more »
Flooded fields benefit growers, wildlife
A U.S. Department of Agriculture study is examining how flooded fields affect wildlife and agriculture production. Mississippi Delta farmers may reap the benefits for flooding their fields during the fall and winter. USDA’s Agricultural Research... more »
USDA names research projects receiving climate funding
Research funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is designed to advance climate-related efforts by growers and others. The USDA is providing an additional $325 million for 71 projects in the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities... more »
Cherry board seeks nominations for 3-year terms
The Cherry Industry Administrative Board (CIAB) is seeking nominations for 10 board member positions and their respective alternates. Election materials will be emailed to growers and handlers starting the week of Jan. 2 If an... more »
USDA’s Census of Agriculture depends on you
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is conducting the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Every five years, the USDA seeks information from producers in all 50 states. The department issued survey codes to all known agriculture producers... more »
Field worker wages up 6%, signaling hike for H-2A pay
Field workers at U.S. farms received an average of $17.04 per hour in October, an increase of 6% from the same month in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Labor Survey. The... more »
USDA seeks nominations for NASS advisory committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is seeking nominations to the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. Members of this committee advise the secretary of agriculture on the scope, timing and content... more »
USDA funds produce ‘prescription’ programs across country
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has invested almost $60 million in programs across the country that “prescribe” produce to encourage consumption and make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible. The $59.4 million supports the Gus... more »
USDA specialty crop, organic insurance to expand
Through upgrades and expansions of current U.S. Department of Agriculture crop insurance policies, including policies for specialty crop and organic crops, there have never been better or more reasonable opportunities for growers to manage their... more »