USDA
USDA takes ‘bold action’ to ban Chinese farmland ownership, elevate farm security
The USDA launched its National Farm Security Action Plan on July 8 during a cabinet-level event aimed at barring China and other “foreign adversaries” from acquiring U.S. farmland, signaling a new front in national and... more »
Onion, vegetable growers appointed to Farm Service agencies
Two vegetable growers — including a farm market founder — have been named to head state Farm Service Agencies (FSA). Alaska vegetable, onion and melon grower Arthur Keyes was appointed executive director of the Alaska’s... more »
Budget bill clears House by one vote, moves to Senate
The massive budget bill dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill passed the U.S. House early Thursday morning after more than 24 hours of debate that began at 1 a.m. Wednesday. The mega bill, which Republicans... more »
Young Farmers group condemns House SNAP, ag cuts
The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is sounding the alarm about devastating cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other ag programs. The House Agriculture Committee’s May 13-14 markup of the Budget... more »
Proposed $60B addition to farm bill ag programs faces rocky road
A Republican proposal to add $60 billion in farm bill programs to the agriculture portion of a mega “Reconciliation Bill” hinges on securing votes for a controversial overhaul to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The... more »
USDA to deliver second round of MASC payments to specialty crop growers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced a second round of payments is coming for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. The program provides up to $1.3 billion... more »
USDA eliminates more than $1B in funding for local food purchases
A pair of federal programs that helped schools and food banks buy food from local farms and ranches have been eliminated by the USDA, with a national organization warning of more cuts to come. The... more »
Specialty crop industry braces for policy shifts
As the second Donald Trump presidential administration begins governing, the agriculture community is watching to see how his policies could affect the specialty crop industry. Vegetable Growers News asked industry representatives to consider what the... more »
Senate confirms Rollins as new USDA leader
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Brooke Rollins, a Texas lawyer who served as chief for domestic policy during Donald Trump’s first administration, as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins is a conservative legal activist and public... more »
USDA increases funding for new specialty crop program
A program designed to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. specialty crops has gotten an infusion of funds, a higher payment cap and an extended application deadline. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is adding an... more »