Agri/Washington Public Affairs

04/07/2022

USDA Finalizes Expansion of US Potatoes into Mexican Market
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. and Mexico have concluded all necessary plant health protocols and agreed to a final visit by Mexican officials in April that finalizes expanded access to the entire Mexican market no later than May 15, 2022, for all U.S. table stock and chipping potatoes. U.S. potatoes are currently restricted to an area within 16 miles of the Mexican border. Mexico is currently the largest export market for U.S. potatoes and products, according to the potato council.

03/22/2022

Special appreciation to the and who do so much, for so many. Happy National Ag Day!

03/11/2022

Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Host First Meeting
The USDA will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. At the meeting, committee members will discuss administrative matters and consult on the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Urban, Indoor and Emerging Agriculture grants.

02/26/2022

Vilsack: Fertilizer prices are biggest worry for farmers after Russian invasion

Vilsack: Fertilizer prices are biggest worry for farmers after Russian invasion

The Russian invasion of Ukraine this week might drive up the costs of farm fertilizers globally, which nearly quadrupled last year in price in the United States and remain high

02/13/2022

02/03/2022

USDA Establishes Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
USDA announced the establishment of a Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture made up of agricultural producers and representatives from areas of higher education, extension programs, non-profits, business/economic development, supply chains and financing to support urban agriculture. The committee will work to improve access to healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce with a focus on equity, local food systems, and climate change. The first meeting of this inaugural committee, which will be open to the public, will take place in late February.

01/22/2022

11/25/2021

11/12/2021

10/31/2021

10/13/2021

. Happy ! National Old Farmer’s Day is an unofficial holiday of obscure origin that is celebrated annually on October 12 in honor of the hard labor of farmers throughout American history. According to some sources, Old Farmer’s Day has been celebrated at least since the 19th Century, although the origin of this particular holiday appears to be lost to history. Currently, our great nation is suffering inflation and supply chain shortages that are impacting every industry, including ag. But farmers across our country continue to put food on our tables. Be sure to .

10/12/2021

USDA data seen as market-negative for corn and soybeans

USDA data seen as market-negative for corn and soybeans

As expected by the trade, the USDA releases bigger crop estimates Tuesday.

10/07/2021

USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting (November 2021) | Agricultural Marketing Service

US Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee Meeting
The USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee has scheduled a Virtual Public Meeting for November 3 and 4 to examine the full spectrum of fruit and vegetable industry issues and provide recommendations and ideas to the Secretary of Agriculture on how the USDA can tailor programs and services to better meet the needs of the US produce industry. Agenda items may include, but are not limited to, consideration of recommendations pertaining to labor and production, food safety, climate and infrastructure, and conservation; and presentations by subject matter experts as requested by the Committee.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/event/usda-fruit-and-vegetable-industry-advisory-committee-virtual-meeting-november-2021

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.

09/16/2021

USDA NIFA Invests $30 Million Towards Organic Farming and Ranching
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced it will invest $30 million for 33 grants to support organic farming and ranching as a part of NIFA’s Organic Agriculture Program. The grants will fund 22 Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative projects and 11 Organic Transitions Program projects. NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille says by supporting the adoption of organic standards among local, small producers, this investment will help build a resilient supply chain and promote nutrition security.

09/12/2021

07/08/2021

NIFA Invests in Animal Health and Disease Research
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced an investment of $14 million in research to protect agricultural animals from disease. Funded projects will focus on developing new and improved vaccines, diagnostics, and antimicrobial alternatives, breeding disease-resistant animals and understanding better ways to manage animals to minimize disease outbreaks.

07/04/2021

God Bless the USA!

05/30/2021

03/24/2021

03/23/2021

02/11/2021

01/29/2021

The Senate Agriculture Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack for February 2nd. Vilsack is expected to experience a smooth confirmation process overall. Kevin Shea is serving as Acting Secretary while Vilsack awaits confirmation. Shea has been administrator of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since 2013.

01/08/2021

Establishment of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership on the Advisory Committee

USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee
The USDA has announced the establishment of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee, which will evaluate and review ongoing research and extension activities relating to urban, indoor, and other innovative agricultural practices; identify new and existing barriers to successful urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices; and provide additional assistance and provide advice to the Director of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production as appropriate. The USDA is also seeking the nominations for membership on the 12-person Urban Ag Advisory Committee, with nominations due by March 5, 2021.

The Secretary of USDA announces the establishment of the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (Urban Ag Advisory Committee). The Committee will advise the Secretary on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural...

12/25/2020

12/12/2020

USDA increases some CRP incentive payments

USDA increases some CRP incentive payments

USDA is increasing incentive payments to farmers for practices installed on land enrolled in the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program.

12/09/2020

12/01/2020

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...Happy Holidays!

11/30/2020

Webinar Registration - Zoom

Webinar on USDA National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
On Tuesday, December 1, 2020 from 2:00pm-3:00pm ET, the USDA's Food Disclosure and Labeling Division (FDLD) will hold an informational webinar on the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS). The webinar is meant to help regulated entities, including food manufacturers, importers, and certain retailers, comply with the Standard before the mandatory compliance date of January 1, 2022. Registration to attend the webinar is required.
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_9pSTVqUfRZSWOb0NPoL7EA

11/30/2020

Things Farmers Say During Harvest

11/25/2020

11/11/2020

AMS US Consumer Standards Update
The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments on its proposal to terminate the US Consumer Standards for the following foods: Italian Sprouting Broccoli, Fresh Carrots, Celery Stalks, Husked Corn on the Cob, Fresh Kale, Fresh Spinach Leaves, Brussels Sprouts, Fresh Parsnips, Fresh Turnips, and and Beet Greens. This proposed action is part of USDA's work to eliminate regulations that are outdated, unnecessary, ineffective, or impose costs that exceed benefits. Comments will be accepted until December 28, 2020.

11/11/2020

10/23/2020

USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program
The USDA announced it has authorized $500 million for a fourth round of purchases for the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The Department is issuing solicitations for the fourth round to existing Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) holders and expects to award contracts by October 30th for deliveries of food boxes from November 1st through December 31st.

07/04/2020

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Independence Day!

07/02/2020

USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program Update
The USDA has approved up to $1.27 billion in extended contracts and up to $202 million in new contracts to support American producers and communities through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. In this second round of purchases, the program will purchase $512 million in fresh fruits and vegetables, $288 million in a variety of dairy products, $233 million in meat products and $444 million in a combination box of fresh produce, dairy or meat products through August 31st. As a reminder, this program was established for the Department to purchase and distribute agricultural products to those in need during the pandemic in the form of boxes packaged with fresh foods