USDA

Resource on Strengthening Organic Enforcement available

Consumer confidence in the USDA organic seal has fueled industry growth and market expansion, according to the agency’s National Organic Program (NOP), which is tasked with ensuring rules protect the organic market as it grows.... more »

USDA annual survey seeks info from potato processors

Potato producers and agribusinesses are encouraged to respond to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service annual potato processing survey. The results of the survey will be used to establish final USDA statistics about the 2022... more »

After March freeze, Georgia, Southeast counties declared disaster areas

The United States Department of Agriculture has declared 18 Georgia counties as primary natural disaster areas. The disaster declaration follows March freezes that damaged Georgia’s peach and pecan crops and other crops. Growers in North... more »

Organic standards experts fight fraud, advocate for industry

Respected organic industry advisors and specialists Gwendolyn Wyard and Kim Dietz have launched Strengthening Organic Systems LLC. The advisory firm is focused entirely on organic fraud prevention, supply chain investigations and compliance with the USDA’s... more »

USDA names OTA as national partner in organic initiative

The USDA has chosen the Organic Trade Association (OTA) as a national partner for the Transition to Organic Partnership Program, part of an initiative to provide direct support and technical assistance to producers. Rodale Institute,... more »

Spotted lanternflies focus of USDA working group

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced a strategic plan to battle spotted lanternflies, pest that harms many fruit, vegetable and nut crops. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Spotted Lanternfly Strategic Planning... more »

Genome map may help save near-extinct native pollinator

Scientists posses a new tool to help save the Rusty patched bumble bee, a native pollinator, from extinction. A detailed, high-resolution map of the rusty patched bumble bee's genome offers approaches for bringing the pollinator... more »

Changes made to USDA Emergency Relief Program policy

The  U.S. Department of Agriculture is updating the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). ERP's Phase Two is being changed to provide a method for valuing losses and accessing program benefits to eligible producers of certain crops,... more »

USDA sets NOSB fall meeting dates

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) has scheduled its fall 2023 meeting, along with two virtual comment sessions for people unable to attend in person. The meeting is Oct. 24-26 in Providence, Rhode Island, with... more »

USDA trade mission to Japan features potatoes

Alexis Taylor understands the importance of potatoes. Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, is the former head of the Oregon Department of Agriculture. That state ranked fourth in the U.S. in... more »

Current Issue

VGN April Cover

Insect Eavesdropper allows growers to “hear” what’s happening in fields

Managing wildlife on the farm

Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader

Southeast Regional Show recognizes leaders

Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects

Business: Why do most succession plans fail?

60 years of advocating for agricultural employers

Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal

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