USDA Weekly Column: The Land and Water Conservation Fund at 50: As Important Today as Ever Vilsack Today, September 3, 2014, marks two important 50th anniversaries: the signing of the…
Livestock Producers Urged to Enroll in Disaster Assistance Program by Oct. 1
…enrollments began, we’ve processed 240,000 applications to help farmers and ranchers who suffered losses,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Eligible producers who have not yet contacted their local FSA office…
USDA Announces New Risk Management Program for Dairy Farmers
Vilsack This morning, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the start of a new risk management program for dairy farmers, known as the Dairy Margin Protection Program. Vilsack announces program for…
Enrollment for New Dairy Farm Risk Management Program to Begin Sept. 2
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that starting Sept. 2, 2014, farmers can enroll in the new dairy Margin Protection Program. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill,…
USDA Reopens Chinese Market Access for California Citrus
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that California citrus farmers will be able to resume exports to China this season. California citrus exports are valued at $30 million annually. “Resuming…
Vilsack Calls CA Wildfire Season ‘Intense’
Vilsack The cost of fighting wildfires is on the rise and it comes as California has what U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack calls an “intense” wildfire season. Sabrina Hill has…
FSA Administrator Juan Garcia Set to Retire
…our relay race of teamwork continues towards that next sunrise.” Garcia will remain in his position until a successor is chosen. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on Garcia’s retirement saying…
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Provides Six-Month Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced continued progress on implementing the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), which President Obama signed into law nearly six months ago on…
New Data Reflects the Continued Demand for Farmers Markets
…outreach efforts related to local and regional food systems. Secretary Vilsack has identified strengthening local food systems as one of the four pillars of USDA’s commitment to rural economic development….
USDA Selects 36 Energy Facilities to Accept Biomass Deliveries
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected 36 energy facilities in 14 states to accept biomass deliveries supported by the Biomass Crop…
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Proclaims August 3-9 National Farmers Market Week
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has declared August 3 through 9, 2014, “National Farmers Market Week”. Throughout the week, USDA will celebrate our nation’s thousands of farmers markets, farmers who make…
Help for Rural Californians Suffering Through Drought
Vilsack This week, I visited the small town of Cameron Creek Colony in Tulare County, California and saw firsthand the challenges drought poses, particularly for those living in rural communities….
USDA Provides Aid to 73,000 Rural Californians Impacted by Drought
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced USDA is providing $9.7 million in emergency water assistance to 73,000 residents in 11 California counties experiencing the driest year on record. “This drought…
Research Projects to Improve Plant Feedstocks for Bioenergy Production
…is a critical link to stimulating rural economies and creating jobs across America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These awards are part of the Obama Administration’s ‘all of the above’…