USDA
USDA Specialty Crops Competitiveness Initiative promotes industry improvements
Through the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to provide additional support to and increase the competitiveness of the specialty crops sector. The effort is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s... more »
House committee investigates EPA’s Chlorpyrifos decision
In the wake of a federal appeals court decision that ruled the Environmental Protection Agency erred in banning the pesticide chlorpyrifos, House Committee on Oversight of Accountability Chairman James Comer continues to investigate the decision.... more »
USDA declares Hurricane Idalia disaster area for Georgia growers
Nearly 30 counties in southeast Georgia are eligible for disaster assistance from damage caused by Hurricane Idalia, which struck the state on Aug. 30. The storm damaged state fruit, vegetable and pecan production, groves and... more »
Building organic matter on sandy soils
Soil organic matter (SOM) is often considered the foundation of a healthy soil because it mediates many biological, chemical and physical soil properties — from water holding capacity to nutrient availability. Strategies for building SOM... more »
USDA committee seeks urban agriculture ideas
The Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC) is one of several ways that USDA extends support and builds frameworks to support urban agriculture, including issues of equity, climate resilience and nutrition access. The... more »
USDA awards grants for local, regional food support
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has awarded more than $32 million for 98 grant projects to expand and strengthen local and regional food systems and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. The funding... more »
Organic Integrity Database expands with import functions
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) has expanded the functionality of its Organic Integrity Database, adding an import certificate module. The new module augments the Trade Partner module, launched in May. Together, they make up... more »
USDA offers more than $3 billion for 2022 specialty crop damage
The USDA will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers affected by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP)... more »
Legislation supported by Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, has endorsed nutrition and organic... more »
Marketing agency adds USDA grant writing to services
Moxxy Marketing has worked with multiple specialty crop commodity groups to submit applications and obtain funding through USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) grants. AMS grants are designed to fund projects “that enhance the marketability and... more »
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