A 30-day public comment period is currently under way for anyone interested in commenting on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s reorganization plan, as outlined in Ag Secretary Booke L. Rollins’ memorandum on July 24. All stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback by emailing reorganization@usda.gov. The comment period concludes on Aug. 26. As part of the plan, the USDA will consolidate …
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 …
Busy 100 Days: Secretary Rollins Fights to Expand Market Access for Farmers
(Washington, D.C.) In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has rolled out a five point plan to lower the cost of eggs, worked to expand market access for American farmers and empowered rural communities. “As President Donald J. Trump ushers in a new golden age of prosperity for our economy, we are …
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 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 …
Brooke L. Rollins Sworn in as Secretary of Ag
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a private ceremony on Thursday at the Supreme Court building. The U.S. Senate confirmed Rollins by a vote of 72 to 28. “It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s …
USDA Announces $300 Million in Additional RAPP Grants to Diversify Ag Export Markets
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the second round of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, which will allocate $300 million to 67 partners once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied, expanding American food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets. This latest investment brings total RAPP funding to $600 million in 2024. The new …