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USDA Now Accepting Applications for Farm Loans Online

Dan CooperAgribusiness, Specialty Crops, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance …

USDA Announces ’22 Census of Ag Details

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will release the 2022 Census of Agriculture data on Feb. 13, 2024. NASS concluded the data collection this summer with a preliminary national return rate of 61%. The ag census, conducted once every five years, was mailed to more than 3 million producers across the United …

USDA Announces Planned Trade Missions for ’24

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week the next steps in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts to bolster U.S. agricultural trade, including the department’s planned trade missions for 2024 and the opening of a public comment period for the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). These efforts will help to support further growth in agricultural exports and …

FLSP Application Deadline Extended

Clint ThompsonUSDA

Southeast specialty crop producers should be mindful that the application deadline for the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) has been extended. Applications now must be submitted by Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. The pilot grant program is awarding up to $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to support agricultural employers in implementing robust labor standards that …

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USDA Invests Nearly $28 Million to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

Web AdminLegislative, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment of $27.9 million across 45 organizations that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers, including programs for U.S. veterans who are entering into agricultural careers and starting new farming businesses. “The next generation of farmers and ranchers hold the promise for future American agriculture and rural …

USDA ERS Research: Organic Blueberry Production on Rise

Web AdminBlueberries, USDA

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study has concluded that organic blueberry production has expanded tremendously over the past decade. Yields reached 77.5 million pounds in 2019 compared to 11.9 million pounds in 2008. Florida has contributed to the rise in organic yields. It produced less than 160,000 pounds in 2008 but increased to 1.9 million …

georgia pecan

Pecan Prices Remain Low

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan, USDA

Georgia pecan producers will remain frustrated at the current market prices being offered for this year’s crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, a few Desirable varieties, with a nut count of 45 to 46 and 53% meat yield, sold for about $1.85 per pound. Elliotts, with a nut count of 71 to 74 and 50% …

USDA ERS Study: Organic Strawberry Production on Rise

Web AdminStrawberry, USDA

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study concludes organic strawberry production has helped increase domestic production over the past two decades. Most organic strawberries are produced in California, though Florida has experienced increased production in recent years. Approximately 680 organic acres were produced in Florida in 2019, compared to just 14 in 2008. From 2008 to …

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USDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters   

Web AdminAgri-business, Specialty Crops, USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters occurring in 2022. “2022 was …

specialty crop

USDA ERS Study: Blueberry Second Most Popular U.S. Produced Berry

Web AdminBlueberries, USDA

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) study concludes that blueberries are the second most popular berry in terms of value and volume of U.S. production. Highbush and lowbush varieties are the two main types, with highbush blueberries being used for the fresh market and lowbush used in the processed market. Approximately 90% of the total domestic …