WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) previewed the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule. This update to the USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. This final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and …
Public Comment Sought on Domestic Fertilizer Production
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation. “At USDA, our goal is to provide all farmers, including new and underserved producers, with the opportunity to receive the assistance they need to continue …
USDA Seeking Public Comments for Fertilizer Production Projects
SAN JUAN, P.R., January 9, 2023 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this week at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation. “At USDA, our goal is to provide all farmers, including new and underserved producers, with the opportunity to …
2022 Census of Agriculture Underway
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed the 2022 Census of Agriculture paper questionnaires to all known agriculture producers across the nation and Puerto Rico in mid-December. Last month, producers in the states received their survey codes with an invitation to respond online. Any producer who did not respond online now has the option to complete the ag census …
NRCS Encourages Producers to Attend Upcoming RMA Workshop
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) encourages producers and industry leaders to attend an upcoming virtual workshop about the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and Micro Farm insurance options, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. (Est.) The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) is offering virtual workshops and in-person roadshow workshops that will highlight updates …
USDA Invites Ag Producers to Respond to 2022 Census of Agriculture
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed survey codes in November to all known farmers across the 50 states with an invitation to respond online to the 2022 Census of Agriculture at agcounts.usda.gov. The 2022 Census of Agriculture will be mailed in phases, with paper questionnaires following in December. Producers need to respond only once, whether securely online …
New USDA Aid Packages Announced
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Nov. 15 announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). The two programs help offset crop and revenue losses for growers. USDA is sharing early information to help …
USDA Offers Funds for Beginning Farmers
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young announced on Tuesday a nearly $24 million investment across 45 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. “Investing in the professional development of our nation’s newest farmers and ranchers will help our food and agriculture sectors to flourish from the ground up,” said Jacobs-Young, who is also …
USDA Provides Nearly $24M Boost for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Chief Scientist Chavonda Jacobs-Young announced on Tuesday a nearly $24 million investment across 45 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers. “Investing in the professional development of our nation’s newest farmers and ranchers will help our food and agriculture sectors to flourish from the ground up,” said Jacobs-Young, who …
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Customer Service
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances. “USDA recognizes more …