Pecan producers in Georgia, Alabama and other producing states will receive a survey in the mail in late September from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information generated from the survey will help forecast pecan production for the upcoming season. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in Georgia, and it is …
USDA Announces September 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for September 2023, which became effective Sept. 1, 2023. The USDA’s 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. Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans FSA offers farm ownership …
USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Wednesday that $72.9 million has been awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research. “USDA is excited to announce …
USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced on Wednesday that $72.9 million has been awarded to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education and research. “USDA is excited to …
USDA Invests in Research, Extension and Education at 1890 Land-grant Universities
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of more than $33 million to support capacity-building efforts at 1890 Land-grant Universities. This investment, administered through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), will support 82 research, Extension, and education projects across the nation’s 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities designated as 1890 Land-grant Universities. These projects are part …
July 14 Deadline: USDA Reminds Producers to Apply for Pandemic, Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds specialty crop producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility    To be eligible for ERP …
USDA Releases July 2023 Lending Rates
Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, Ownership and …
USDA Announces July 2023 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers
WASHINGTON – Specialty crop producers should be aware that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which became effective on Monday, July 3. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help growers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs. Operating, …
USDA Provides Significant Support for American Producers, School Meal Providers and Emergency Food Operations
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Biden-Harris Administration is providing $2.7 billion to support American farmers, students who participate in school meal programs, and emergency food operations. Through the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation, the Department will provide nearly $1.3 billion for states to purchase foods to be distributed to schools for their meal programs and nearly $1 billion for …
USDA AMS Increasing Rates for Specialty Crop Audits
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the 2023/2024 rates it will charge for voluntary grading, inspection, certification, auditing and laboratory services for various agricultural commodities, including fruits and vegetables, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture The rates for regular, overtime, holiday and laboratory services will be applied at the beginning of the crop year, fiscal year or as required …