Andy LaVigne, President and CEO at American Seed Trade Association, talks about the farm bill, pollinator issues, needs for specialty crops and other other topics. Andy LaVigne Interview…
USDA Expanding Support for Small, Mid-Sized Farmers and Ranchers
…that there is tremendous growth potential for small and mid-sized producers in the American agricultural landscape,” said Vilsack. “USDA is taking a hard look at our existing resources to ensure…
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Proposed FY 2015 Budget
…American taxpayer; fosters opportunity for the men and women living, working and raising families in rural America; and supports innovation through strategic, future-focused investments. The budget focuses on creating jobs…
Potassium Amounts to Be Required on New Nutrition Labels
Dr. Rachel Johnson with the American Heart Association talks about the importance of having the amounts of potassium included on the updated nutrition facts label. Potassium Amounts to Be Required…
Enhanced School Wellness Environments Make the Smart Choice the Easy Choice for a Healthier Next Generation
…as many as 9 million American children eat healthy meals at school, especially breakfast, which can have profound impacts on educational achievement. Taken together, we’re making progress. As USDA’s Deputy…
Hundreds of Ag and Business Groups Call for Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 25, 2014—The American Farm Bureau Federation, as part of a multi-industry coalition of 636 business organizations—154 of them agriculture-related—today urged Congress to move forward with immigration reform…
House and Senate Tax Leaders Pursuing Conflicting Tracts on Tax Breaks
Pat Wolff American Farm Bureau Federation’s tax and budget specialist House and Senate tax leaders are pursuing conflicting tracts on tax breaks and reform making it less likely major tax…
Drought Leads to Early Removal of Almonds
…of the American Pistachio Growers, Executive Director Richard Matoian said water shortages would likely delay growth in pistachio production that had been estimated to reach 1 billion pounds between 2018…
The White House and USDA Announce School Wellness Standards
…American children eat healthy meals at school, especially breakfast, which can have profound impacts on educational achievement. Research shows that kids who eat breakfast in the classroom preform over 17%…
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the 2012 Census of Agriculture Preliminary Results
…strong rural America that has remained stable during difficult economic times. We have slowed significantly the loss of farmland, which has totaled 72 million acres since 1982. New tools provided…
USDA Announces Fiscal Year 2015 Farm to School Grants
…and connect with local agricultural producers. “Connecting American farmers and ranchers with the National School Lunch Program provides schoolchildren with daily access to locally sourced, healthy foods,” said Vilsack. “These…
Federal Drought Aid Coming to California; Long Term Solution Sought
…of the Federal Government. “California is our biggest economy, California is our biggest agricultural producer, so what happens here matters to every working American, right down to the cost of…
“Voices from the Land” Conservation in American Agriculture Briefing Highlights Environmental Award Winners
On USDA Blog by Ann Mills, Deputy Under Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment “Water conservation begins where the first drop of rain falls…most likely on private working lands.” This…
Pollinators Crucial to Agriculture
…and Flower Seed Conference hosted by the American Seed Trade Association, (ASTA). Lori says the group is focused on real science to find answers to pollinator problems. You can hear…