Vegetable Farms’ Earnings Surge By 82%

Clint ThompsonUSDA, Vegetables

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service Situation and Outlook Report, data from the 2022 Census of Agriculture showed a significant shift in the agricultural landscape. Though the total number of vegetable and melon farms reduced, real sales per operation experienced a surge of 82%, climbing from an average of approximately $280,000 in 2017 to more than …

APHIS Protects Domestic Fruit Production, Deregulates Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in Fruit for Consumption

Clint ThompsonTomatoes, USDA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is updating and issuing a Federal Order designed to continue protecting the domestic pepper and tomato industries while safely deregulating tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV)-positive tomatoes and peppers for consumption. Under the new Federal Order, APHIS will maintain its strong safeguards for imported and domestic …

USDA Awards $50 Million to Support Farmworkers and Agricultural Employers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

PALISADE, Colo. – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states and Puerto Rico, through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program), reaching 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000 workers. The awards will help improve the resiliency of the …

USDA Announces May 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for May 2024, which became effective May 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.          “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to …

USTR, USDA Announce Appointments to Advisory Committee

Clint ThompsonFlorida, Georgia, USDA

WASHINGTON – The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced appointments to the newly established Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.  Members from Georgia and Florida were selected to the committee, including Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and Mike Joyner, president of …

Strengthening Farms, Businesses: USDA Invests in Domestic Fertilizer Projects

Clint ThompsonUSDA

CASCO, Wis. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week that the USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. This funding advances President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. It will create jobs and spur …

USDA Easing Producers’ Transition to Organic Production with New Programs, Partnerships

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced last week new programs, partnerships, grant awards and an additional $10 million in funding to expand the markets for organic products and help producers transition to organic production. These programs will support the development of new and better markets for domestic organic products, provide hands-on training to producers transitioning to organic production and …

RMA Administrator Discusses Nursery Value Select Program Expansion

Clint ThompsonUSDA

By Clint Thompson The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging specialty crop producers and nursery operators to participate in the Nursery Value Select Program; a program that has existed for decades in a limited number of states and counties. Marcia Bunger, administrator for the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), discussed the program’s expansion to include many more states and …

USDA Announces $48 Million Available for Farm Labor Housing Across Country

Clint ThompsonUSDA

KENNEWICK, WASH – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Basil Gooden announced in April that the USDA is accepting applications for financing to build new housing, aiding local farms and businesses to remain competitive while enhancing the lives of working families. This initiative aims to ensure year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers have safe, modern and affordable living …

USDA Announces May 2024 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

Clint ThompsonUSDA

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for May 2024, which became effective May 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help farmers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.          “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike …