Learn more about USDA at www.USDA.gov Comment Policy: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/usda-comment-policy
USDA is committed to providing safe and nutritious food, conservation, sustainable food production and revitalizing rural America.
Today, at the USDA Conversation on Healthy School Meals Roundtable, Secretary Vilsack announced major initiatives that will support and enhance the health of America's children through nutritious school meals. Details: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/02/03/usda-announces-steps-improve-child-health-through-nutritious-school
Join us live TODAY at 12 PM ET for a virtual roundtable where Secretary Vilsack will announce major steps USDA is taking to support and enhance the health of America's children through nutritious school meals ➡️ https://usda.gov/live
The journey to homeownership is often filled with anxiety, unknowns, frustrations and eventually excitement as you move into your home. For Shalyn Janis, this journey began in 2018. She had been trying to buy a home when she heard about USDA’s Native Relending Pilot Program, which helped her family purchase their home:
The journey to homeownership is often filled with anxiety, unknowns, frustrations and eventually excitement as you move into your home. For Shalyn Janis, this journey began in 2018. She had been trying to buy a home for a while when she heard about USDA’s Native Relending, or 502 Direct Loan progr...
Seaweed aquaculture has great potential for growth in the U.S., but currently production is limited to a small number of farms that cultivate just one or two species of kelp. Supported by USDA-NIFA, a company in Maine is working to change that. Springtide Seaweed, LLC is addressing several challenges to expanding U.S. seaweed production beyond kelp with funding from NIFA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program.
Seaweed aquaculture has great potential for growth in the U.S., but currently production is limited to a small number of farms that cultivate just one or two species of kelp. Supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a company in Maine is working to change that. Spring...
For the rural residents of West Oregon's Willamette Valley, getting a good internet signal was a struggle. Farmland and foothills and mountains obstructed the use of wireless or satellite service. Then USDA Rural Development stepped in with a ReConnect grant...
We're accepting grant applications for wood innovations projects and community wood energy facilities. The application deadline for both grant programs is March 23, 2023, at 5 p.m. local time.
Details on how to apply: https://fs.usda.gov/science-technology/energy-forest-products/wood-innovation
Farmers and ranchers who want to pursue organic certification now have a new Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education publication to help understand USDA National Organic Program requirements and key strategies producers can use to make their three-year transition to organic production a successful one.
Farmers and ranchers who want to pursue organic certification now have a new publication to help understand USDA National Organic Program requirements and key strategies producers can use to make their three-year transition to organic production a successful one. Farmers and ranchers who want to pur...
To create more and better markets for cattle producers, we've launched our pilot Cattle Contracts Library which will provide new disclosure to the industry and public regarding the key terms, conditions and volumes under which cattle are contracted. Details ⬇
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched its pilot Cattle Contracts Library today at Noon Eastern Time on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Cattle Contract Library webpage. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022 directed USDA to create a pilot libra...
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Rural Development to hold roundtables on how to use Inflation Reduction Act funding to advance clean energy in rural America: https://rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/01252023-ira-roundtables-stakeholder-notification
Want to know if/when we received your completed Census of Agriculture?
Whether you responded online or by mail, you can verify your report was received by going to www.agcounts.usda.gov, entering your survey code, and checking the "Submitted" date under the "Status" column of the "My Surveys" tab. Please note that the "Status" update is not always immediate, even if you responded online. The update can take a few minutes up to several days, especially if you returned your form via mail.
🚨 We're investing $2.7 billion to help 64 electric cooperatives and utilities expand and modernize the nation’s rural electric grid and increase grid security. Details: https://usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/01/30/biden-harris-administration-invests-27-billion-improve-and-expand
UC Davis researchers have found an internal circadian clock controls the distinctive concentric rings of flowering in sunflowers, maximizing visits from pollinators. Read more about the recently published USDA-NIFA funded study.
An internal circadian clock controls the distinctive concentric rings of flowering in sunflowers, maximizing visits from pollinators, a new study from plant biologists at the University of California, Davis, shows. The work is published Jan. 13 in eLife.
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: Rural Development Build America, Buy America Implementation Waiver Expires Feb 3, 2023: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/build-america-buy-america-stakeholder-announcement
The rising cost of food at the grocery store, or food inflation, can result in a lack of consistent access to adequate food by someone you know. At this year's Ag Outlook, Emily Englehard of FeedingAmerica will discuss the real word impacts of food price inflation on Americans, as well as the charities that help meet the needs of those facing food insecurity. Register to join in-person or tune in virtually on February 23 at 1:30p ET: https://bit.ly/AgOut23
New and updated Discover MyPlate: Nutrition Education for Kindergarten materials are now available from USDA’s Team Nutrition initiative! These fun resources foster the development of healthy food choices and physically active lifestyles during a critical developmental and learning period for children—kindergarten. Find more recipes, food cards, and emergent readers at fns.usda.gov/tn/discover-myplate-nutrition-education-kindergarten.
This May, join us in Washington, DC, for the Ninth International Conference on Agricultural Statistics. The conference will focus on fostering and leveraging best practices and research in response to the changing needs and opportunities for agricultural statistics. The conference is hosted by USDA and World Bank, in coordination with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Learn more and register for the conference: https://www.icas2023.org
Today we finalized protections for the U.S. Forest Service - Tongass National Forest which repeals the 2020 Alaska Roadless Rule and restores longstanding roadless protections to 9.37 million acres of roadless areas that support the ecological, economic and cultural values of Southeastern Alaska. Details: https://usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/01/25/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-protections-tongass-national
“They’re Always There for Us”: Read this success story out of West Virginia about how Rural Development aided in the recovery efforts of the Hardy County Public Service District after flooding in 2018: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/success-stories/theyre-always-there-us-usda-helps-recovery-efforts
Census of Agriculture Respondents: If you already submitted your 2022 Census of Agriculture, thank you. Please disregard any additional AgCensus letters and forms. It is possible we did not have your form checked in at the time we sent our last reminder. For answers to your 2022 Census of Agriculture frequently asked questions (FAQs), visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/FAQ/2022/index.php.
How can we achieve both environmental progress and economic development for more sustainable future in American agriculture? Join us on February 23rd at this year's Ag Outlook Forum for "Creating Climate Change Solutions." Andy Olsen, Senior Policy Advocate at Environmental Law & Policy Center will discuss putting sustainability principles into practice during this 3pm breakout session. Come in-person or join online: https://bit.ly/AgOut23
We're improving access to fruits and vegetables by expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, healthy incentive initiatives. Learn more https://bit.ly/3XoIdUT
🚨 We've announced additional assistance for dairy farmers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program to help us better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges ⬇️
WASHINGTON, January 23, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Pro...
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
We announced Saturday the availability of $72.9M through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to fund innovative projects designed to support the expanding specialty crop sector and explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products.
AMS is accepting grant applications from state departments of agriculture or equivalent, in states, the District of Columbia and territories, until May 1, 2023.
AMS encourages applications for projects that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and/or underserved communities.
Interested applicants should apply directly through their state departments of agriculture.
https://bit.ly/3J7Roon
On February 3, 2023, all non-Federal entities receiving USDA Rural Development (RD) federal financial assistance for infrastructure projects must comply with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA). All RD program applicants, their design professionals, contractors, and product suppliers are invited to attend upcoming webinars discussing BABAA requirements.
Register for the next sessions to learn more!
Wednesday, January 25 at 11:00 a.m. ET: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Pri-tMKiTi6NtOnQngks_Q
Friday, January 27 at 11:00 a.m. ET: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_3fAs_li9QC6VAXc-afm9ZQ
Friday, January 27 at 4:00 p.m. ET: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_zmyHYPcBSXaNhVOXTDamXA
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Seeks Applications to Improve Rural Transportation Systems, Opening
the Door to Economic Opportunities for People Living in Rural Communities:https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/usda-rd-sa-rbdg-transportation-nosa.pdf
Wishing those in the U.S. and around the world a healthy and prosperous new year!
We’re excited to announce the members of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee! The Committee will examine the relationship between diet and health across all life stages—and help inform guidance everyone can use to make healthy choices. Learn more at: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/2025-advisory-committee Guidelines
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites always use a .gov or .mil domain. Before sharing sensitive information online, make sure you’re on a .gov or .mil site by inspecting your browser’s address (or “location”) bar.
Today Secretary Vilsack announced expanded efforts to reduce wildfire risk across the western U.S. which will bring more than $490 million to directly protect at-risk communities and critical infrastructure across 11 additional landscapes in Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Details: https://usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/01/19/biden-harris-administration-launches-new-efforts-address-wildfire
Alaska Power & Telephone recieved two grants from Round 3 of Rural Development's ReConnect Program. This funding will provide connectivity to an additional three communities on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. Bringing people together through high-speed Internet, no matter where they are, is what the ReConnect Program is all about!
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With support from USDA-NIFA, is partnering with Texas A&M University, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State University and South Dakota State University to host a nationwide network of 14 institutions geared to prepare students with systems thinking and career readiness — vital for work in food, agriculture, and natural and human sciences. More than 500 undergraduate students from across the country will participate.
Texas A&M honors students will participate in a field experience, design challenge or hackathon to address global agriculture priorities.
Today, the USDA National Organic Program previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule. This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling and sale of organic products. Details: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/01/18/usda-publishes-strengthening-organic-enforcement-final-rule
Vital ecosystem is living under our feet. Below the world we see every day is a complex living network, made up of plant roots, nutrients and fungi. NC State University is researching how certain fungi can strengthen this hidden environment and, in turn, sustain the plants we use up above.
Researchers at NC State are studying how mycorrhizal fungi can enhance plant health and could lessen our reliance on non-renewable fertilizers.
DYK lima beans are low in fat and high in fiber, protein, iron and other nutrients? Lima bean plants are also more heat-tolerant than their fellow legumes. Through USDA-NIFA's Specialty Crops Research Initiative, UD Cooperative Extension is a part of a four-year study aimed to boost lima bean production and demand.
UD Cooperative Extension part of $3.3 million grant that aims to boost lima bean production and demand
USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant helped Wright’s Dairy Farm expand their innovative business ideas. For over 100 years the farm has provided its community in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, with cakes, custards, and wedding cakes. But in 2020, they decided to launch a subscription service, allowing customers to try a new flavor of ice cream every week for 13 weeks. With the help of USDA Rural Development, the business grew its subscribers from 500 to 5,000 members. https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/success-stories/cow-cone-wrights-dairy-farm-sees-delicious-success
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, we reflect on our commitment and shared history toward advancing civil rights for all Americans. Let's honor Dr. King through service as we challenge you to volunteer, serve and lead today and every day!
Katie Kramer at Hurdwell knows firsthand how state and federal investment in small livestock processing businesses can positively impact our local and regional economies. Join us in-person or online for this year's Ag Outlook Forum to learn from Katie's experience leveraging state and federal grant and lending programs. Registration is now open: https://bit.ly/AgOut23
Have you heard about the National Appeals Division (NAD)? Has FSA, NRCS, RD, or RMA denied your application, terminated your contract or benefits, or determined you were ineligible for a USDA Program? If so, you may have a right to a NAD appeal. In a NAD appeal, an Administrative Judge, who does not work for or report to FSA, NRCS, RD or RMA, will hear and review your case to determine whether the Agency's adverse decision was wrong. No attorney is required, but there are deadlines for requesting an appeal. For more information and to request an appeal, visit www.nad.usda.gov.
A Community Facilities loan or grant from USDA Rural Development can help build, update or improve your community’s town hall, courthouse, medical clinic, fire department, museum, library and other essential facilities! https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program
Today, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Marc H. Morial, President of The National Urban League, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote equity, increase nutrition security and expand services in underserved communities across America
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2023 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and Marc H. Morial, President of the National Urban League, announce a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reaffirm and strengthen the relationship between USDA and the historic civil rights organizatio...
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Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween this evening! 🎃
Ahh, the relaxing sound of rain drizzling in your garden 😌🌧️ Gardening is an effective way of improving your physical and psychological wellbeing. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3CJp4DZ
Federal Interagency Military Spouse Career Expo USDA is proud to be participating in the first of its kind #CareerExpo for #MilitarySpouses being held on Oct. 12th, 2022 from 10am – 4pm ET alongside 15 other departments, agencies and the First Lady Jill Biden. This virtual event will give military spouses the chance to network, learn about opportunities and apply for open positions including remote and virtual opportunities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eMd9Nkar
Have you signed up your local garden as a People’s Garden yet? Watch this video to learn how! Sign up and JOIN US! #PeoplesGarden
As we conclude Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week,, USDA would like to recognize the many contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Agricultural Colleges and Universities who educate more than 2.2 million Hispanic students every year. Thank you for working to develop the leaders of tomorrow!
En noviembre, NASS enviará por correo el cuestionario del Censo de Agricultura de 2022 a casi 3 millones de agricultores en los Estados Unidos y en Puerto Rico. Para obtener más información o ayuda completando su cuestionario censal, visite nass.usda.gov/AgCensus o llame libre de cargos al 1-866-716-5655. The 2022 Census of Agriculture is coming this fall. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Census and Survey Division Director Barbara Rater’s message on the value and impact of the #AgCensus to producers throughout Puerto Rico. Learn more: https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/index.php
Ag Producers: The 2022 Census of Agriculture is coming this November. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Administrator Huber Hamer’s message on the value and impact of the AgCensus to nearly three million producers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Learn more: https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/index.php
Timelapse of a solar panel array at City Roots LLC, a family-owned organic vegetable farm in Columbia, South Carolina, on August 10, 2022. Rural Development helped fund this array via our Rural Energy for America Program! https://rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans
We're announcing $550 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support projects that enable underserved producers to access land, capital and markets, and train the next, diverse generation of agricultural professionals. Details: https://go.usa.gov/xhgCx
Last week was Goldman Sachs' Small Business Advocacy Day at Nationals Park in Washington DC and USDA Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small spoke with small business owners from all parts of the country about what Rural Development can do for Rural communities!
Secretary Tom Vilsack will give a speech at Colorado State University’s Salazar Center’s Virtual International Symposium for Conservation Impact and announce a comprehensive set of investments to address challenges facing producers and agriculture, including market disruptions, climate change, and animal disease prevention.
Cada año, durante el mes de la herencia hispana, celebramos las historias, culturas, y contribuciones de los habitantes de Estados Unidos cuyos antepasados vinieron de España, México, y los países hispanoparlantes de Centro y Sudamérica, y también el Caribe. USDA está comprometido al asegurar igualdad a través de todo el departamento, al igual que remover las barreras al acceso, y el crear un personal más representativo a EE.UU.
On Women's Equality Day, we celebrate the progress made toward women's equality and recognize the achievements and contributions women have made, especially in agriculture
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