USDA

Farms receive extension for recording farm structure

The USDA is providing farms a one-time, 30-day extension to the June 1 deadline for recording farm organization structures related to Actively Engaged in Farming determinations. This date is used to determine the level of... more »

Secretary Vilsack releases statement on organic sector report

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a statement on the Organic Trade Association's report that the organic sector posted its largest-ever dollar gain in 2015. Total organic product sales grew by $4.2 billion, reaching $43.3... more »

Reuters: USDA to join panel reviewing Syngenta, ChemChina deal

The USDA will join the government panel reviewing ChemChina’s planned acquisition of Syngenta, according to Reuters. U.S. Senators wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew requesting that the U.S. Department of Treasury and USDA... more »

$130 million available for foundational agriculture research

The USDA is making $130 million in funding available for research, education, and extension projects to support sustainable, productive and economically viable plant and animal production systems, including certified organic production. This funding is available through the... more »

Trends in spring climate changing in the Northeast

You might have noticed spring-like weather in the Northeast is arriving earlier than usual. There is reliable evidence from many studies that conditions in the Northeast and upper Midwest have become warmer and wetter in... more »

USDA Agricultural Marketing Service updates user fees

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has published 2016 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for a variety of agricultural commodities including meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy products,... more »

USDA to fund antimicrobial resistance research

The USDA is making $6 million available to fund research to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This funding is available through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and administered... more »

Agriculture toolkit provides resources for urban farmers

The USDA has unveiled the Urban Agriculture Toolkit, a new resource created by USDA's Know Your Farmer team to help entrepreneurs and community leaders create jobs and increase access to healthy food through urban agriculture. Industry... more »

Loans available for handling equipment, portable storage

USDA will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Elanor Starmer announced changes to the Farm... more »

USDA to assist farmers with environmental assurance

USDSA is making financial assistance available to Michigan farmers seeking to have their operations environmentally verified through the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). MAEAP is a voluntary program created in Michigan that allows producers to... more »