…insurance, certification cost-share, organic market news and simplified microloans. To learn more about USDA support for organic agriculture, visit www.usda.gov/organic. More information on how USDA investments are connecting producers with…
Checking Chickens on Social Media
…eat chicken, you are likely one of Americans the USDA estimates will eat about 92 pounds of the popular low fat and high protein bird this year. With so many…
Industry Calls for Clearing up of Organic Marketing
…or term, but do not use the USDA Organic seal or make any reference to organic certification. A survey by OTA found consumers who are buying organic feel that both…
Help for Low-Income Families to Purchase Fruits and Veggies
…on USDA’s Medium chapter, Growing a Healthier Future. Additional information about USDA efforts to support local and regional food systems, including by increasing SNAP access at farmers markets, can be…
Additional Lender Category for Small-Scale Operators
Options Help More Beginning, Small and Urban Producers Gain Access to Credit The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of a streamlined version of USDA guaranteed loans, which…
USDA Taking Action Regarding Low Survey Responses
The Department of Agriculture has formed an internal committee to review and improve survey response rates after a record low number of responses. USDA says responses to the September 30th…
Final Rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
…land in agricultural use through the agricultural land easement component (ACEP-ALE). USDA published an interim final rule on February 27, 2015 and accepted public comments through May 28, 2015. USDA…
USDA/NIFA Awards $4.7 M for Food Safety Outreach, Education
…USDA programs and services that support strong local and regional food systems. Across USDA, the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative coordinates the Department’s policy, resources and outreach efforts…
U.S – Mexico Establish Committee to Support Organic Trade Partnership
…over $35 billion. USDA is committed to helping organic agriculture grow and thrive. USDA strongly supports the organic sector through a wide variety of programs, including conservation grants, organic crop…
California State Veterinarian Honored by USDA
California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones received the USDA APHIS Administrator’s Award this week at the annual meeting of the United States Animal Health Association. Also pictured, from left; Dr….
USDA Predicts Record California Almond Harvest
…2011-12 crop year record of 2.03 billion pounds. USDA says that while many areas are still under drought, trees have shown signs of recovery from multiple years of water deprivation….
CA’s Ross Possible Clinton Ag Secretary
…my future, adding “I do think it’s time for someone else to take a crack” at USDA. From the CDFA: Karen Ross was appointed Secretary of the California Department of…
California Ag Leads Nation in Funding for Specialty Crops
…specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). “This is essential funding that the USDA provides each year through the Farm Bill,”…
Beef, Pork Imports in China Growing
…First Thing Today reports initial import numbers from the U.S. will likely be modest, “mainly due to the relatively higher prices of U.S. beef.” USDA also expects a rise in…