Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, called on President Biden to fill a couple of key USDA positions that deal with agricultural trade. He wants qualified officials appointed to the …
California Plums Gain Market Access to Japan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that Japan has granted market access for California plums. The announcement comes after several rounds of negotiations between the U.S. and Japan, …
First Giant Hornet Nest of 2021 Found in Washington State
Agriculture officials found the first giant hornet nest of 2021 last week in Washington state. The nest, located near Blaine, Washington, is about a quarter-mile away from the first reported …
CRP Acreage Falls Short of Goal at Just Under Three Million Acres
A total of 2.8 million acres have been enrolled in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The 2021 CRP acreage falls short of the goal of …
USDA Reports on Farm Computer Usage and Ownership
The Department of Agriculture released the 2021 Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report. The report is conducted every other year and presents data on farm computer usage, including computer access, …
USDA Announces Improvements to the Dairy Safety Net and New Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the details of the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program as part of meetings with farmers and a tour of farms with Senator Leahy. …
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021. “USDA …
Nearly $17 Million Being Made Available Through USDA’s 2501 Program
Approximately $16.6 million dollars is being made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, …
New Program Helps Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a new program to help heirs resolve land ownership and succession issues. The new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP) was announced during …
More Than $7M Invested to Support Ag Research and Workforce Development
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing funding support to help advance agricultural research and workforce development. USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently announced it will be …
Challenges Hurdling Guest Worker Programs
This week lawmakers addressed border security, immigration reform and and challenges with securing a reliable farm workforce. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked about the current farm guest workers program challenges …
Fruit and Vegetable Trade Increases in First Part of 2021
Trade statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) paint an interesting picture for American fruits and vegetables. USDA data shows that between January and May of this year, imports …
Livestock Producers Suffering Pandemic Losses Have New Assistance Program
Livestock producers who suffered losses during the pandemic now have another avenue for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) will be available …
Improving Rural Broadband Access with Interagency Agreement
Multiple federal agencies will be improving broadband access through a new interagency agreement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information …