USDA
IFPA announces new board of directors for 2023
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is welcoming new members to its board of directors. The board of directors slate for 2023 will officially begin their term at the end of October after a vote... more »
USDA allocates $550 million for projects for underserved producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is allocating up to $550 million to support projects that enable underserved producers to access land, capital, and markets, and train the next, diverse generation of agricultural professionals. These investments... more »
USDA awards $73 million in specialty crop grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding almost $73 million in fiscal year 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding. The $72.9 million in grants, through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, will be used for... more »
Study seeks info on beet leafhopper, other pests in the Columbia Basin
Vegetable growers in the Columbia Basin can help researchers learn about beet leafhopper management practices. As part of the Areawide Management of Insect Vectors in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon, the U.S. Department... more »
USDA program gives Minnesota schools $3.5 million to buy local food
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has signed a $3.46 million agreement with Minnesota to increase purchases of local foods for school lunch programs. The agreement, through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is the first... more »
USDA devotes $300 million to ease transition to organic production
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making a $300 million investment, the Organic Transition Initiative, to help new spur growth in the organic sector and fulfill consumer demand while opening revenue streams for growers. Agriculture... more »
USDA seeks drop in food losses, waste
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to feature the newest food loss and waste mitigation technologies at the second virtual Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair. The Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair is from... more »
Inflation Reduction Act brings $20 billion for climate-smart ag
The Inflation Reduction Act will deliver $19.5 billion in new conservation funding to support climate-smart agriculture. This historic funding will bolster the new steps that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced Aug. 15 to... more »
USDA expands funding of produce as medicine programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is using $8 million to support “prescription” programs that pay for fresh fruits and vegetables to improve the health of consumers. The Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) is part... more »
USDA program boosts local crops from California’s underserved farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding a program in California that will buy and distribute locally grown, produced and processed food from underserved producers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the program July 27 during... more »
