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…
More Than $62.5 Million to Support Specialty Crop Production
…announcement while attending USDA’s Fall Forum with local stakeholders held in Concord today to discuss key issues facing the future of agriculture. The grants are part of USDA’s continued effort…
USCA Commends USDA on Fair Practices Rules
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) commends the recent action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’ Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (USDA GIPSA) in submitting The Farmer Fair Practices…
Asian Citrus Psyllid Quarantine in Placer County
…nursery stock and budwood grown in USDA-approved structures which are designed to keep ACP and other insects out. Residents with backyard citrus trees in the quarantine area are asked not…
Florida Citrus Harvest Expected to Decline
…USDA expects the 2016-2017 season harvest to total 70 million boxes, compared to last season’s 81.6 million boxes. The forecast is less than half the 170 million boxes harvested in…