America’s specialty crop growers often face challenges that are unique to their segment of agriculture. John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), says USDA has acknowledged these challenges through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program. “A program designed specifically to help specialty crop growers deal with their rising input costs and volatile markets. USDA created …
USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Through SCBGP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $72.9 million in grant funding is available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, education and research. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications until July 7, 2025. Eligible applicants are agricultural agencies or departments …
USDA Seeking Feedback From Producers About 2025 Crops, Stocks, Inventories and Values
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2025 – Over the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the June Agricultural Survey. The agency will contact nearly 92,000 producers across the nation to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2025. “The June Agricultural Survey is one of the most important and …
USDA Serves Up Food Safety Guidelines For Summer Cookouts
(WASHINGTON) — As friends and families get ready to kick off summer by firing up the grill and serving foods at a cookout, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shares some tips to keep your celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we’re cooking outdoors …
USDA, South Carolina Department of Ag Award $4.1 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain
COLUMBIA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service has partnered with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to award $4.1 million for 26 projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. The 26 projects consist of four infrastructure projects and 22 equipment projects to build resilience along the middle of the supply chain while strengthening local …
USDA to Issue $1.3 Billion to Specialty Crop Producers Through Second MASC Payment
U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced on Tuesday a second round of payments coming this week for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, providing up to $1.3 billion in additional program assistance. U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already delivered just under $900 million in first round payments to eligible …
USDA Designates 20 Alabama Counties As Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced earlier this month that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 20 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to a recent drought. There were 18 additional counties listed as contiguous disaster counties. “The drought affected over half of the counties in Alabama,” said Commissioner Pate. “We …
USDA Seeks Nominees for Florida Tomato Committee
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks nominees for the Florida Tomato Committee to fill seats for 10 producer members and their respective alternates for two-year terms, starting on Aug. 1, 2025. Nominations will take place on April 14 at a virtual nomination meeting in each of the two established districts. The committee is seeking nominees for five producer member …
USDA Extends Response Deadline for ’24 Census of Horticultural Specialties
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will continue to collect the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties through April 18, 2025. Conducted just once every five years, the Census of Horticultural Specialties is the only source of detailed production and sales data for U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop industries, including greenhouse food crops. Growers …
USDA’s February 2025 Lending Rates for Producers
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for February 2025, which became effective Feb. 3. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency …