USDA
National Potato Council calls for more pest agency funding
The National Potato Council joined dozens of other agricultural organizations in requesting increased funding for the USDA’s Office of Pest Management Policy. The office coordinates with the producer and user communities to ensure the uses... more »
IFPA joins ag groups with dissent on EPA rule
The EPA’s final rule on Plant Incorporated Protectorants (PIPs) has drawn opposition from ag groups and researchers, including the International Fresh Produce Association. The EPA released the rule on May 25. PIPs are pesticidal substances... more »
Rural Voices opposes GOP USDA cuts
Rural Voices USA, an organization that promotes the interests of rural Americans, is criticizing a House GOP proposal to cut USDA FY24 funding. The organization warns the zeroing-out of USDA rural funding would harm rural... more »
USDA honors ARS research entomologist
A U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) research entomologist is being honored for her work with insects as biological controls. Rebecca Schmidt-Jeffris, a USDA-ARS research entomologist, has been named a finalist for a... more »
Full Harvest expands online to all Grade 1 produce
Full Harvest, a leader in the battle against food waste, is expanding beyond surplus to all U.S. Department of Agriculture Grade 1 produce on its online marketplace for commercial buyers and sellers. Solving the food... more »
Growers approve Michigan asparagus program
Michigan’s asparagus producers have approved a referendum to continue the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program. Growers vote on whether to continue the program every five years; this validates it to June 7, 2028. [caption id="attachment_17737"... more »
Renewable energy systems funds released by USDA
USDA releases funds to help farmers invest in renewable energy systems The U.S. Department of Agriculture today is accepting applications for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in... more »
USDA names chief diversity and inclusion officer
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has appointed L’Tonya Davis as its first permanent chief diversity and inclusion officer (CDIO). The CDIO will lead USDA in its ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)... more »
USDA awards grants to boost U.S. fertilizer production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has received $3 billion in applications from more than 350 independent businesses for the first two rounds of a new grant program to add innovative domestic fertilizer production capacity. The... more »
USDA session tackles H-2A, labor shortages
To combat increasing labor shortages, growers are adapting labor-saving technology and modifying their cultivation practices, including lessening and delaying pruning and weeding. The gravity of the crisis was highlighted in a session at the Feb.... more »
