U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Recent News About U.S. Department of Agriculture
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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a series of initiatives designed to bolster the organic sector, including new programs, partnerships, grant awards and an additional $10 million in funding. These measures aim to expand markets for organic products and assist producers in transitioning to organic production.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on May 14, 2024, that the USDA is funding 47 projects in 23 states to improve access to reliable electricity and clean drinking water for over one million people. This initiative is also expected to create numerous jobs across the nation. The announcement was made during President Biden's Infrastructure Week, which showcases the progress made by the Biden-Harris Administration in enhancing American infrastructure through historic funding packages such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation...
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YAKIMA, Wash., May 14, 2024 – Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced today a $250 million investment to aid communities at risk from catastrophic wildfires. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and is aimed at protecting homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The increasing threat of wildfires has been exacerbated by the climate crisis.
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On May 14, 2024, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced that the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is investing nearly $74 million to foster innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy. This investment is aimed at increasing the capacity of wood processing facilities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
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CLE ELUM, Wash., May 13, 2024 — Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced today that the USDA Forest Service is partnering with states to conserve nearly 168,000 acres of economically and ecologically significant forestlands across the nation. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced new measures to curb the impact and spread of H5N1, following its first detection in dairy cattle in Texas on March 25, 2024. The USDA immediately initiated a series of investigations to understand the origin and potential impact of the disease on bovines and humans. On April 1, Texas reported the first human H5N1 infection associated with this outbreak, confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have developed a plan to update, streamline, and clarify their regulations and oversight mechanisms for products of biotechnology. The plan aims to ensure public confidence in the biotechnology regulatory system and improve its transparency, predictability, coordination, and efficiency.###
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Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Highlight California Child Nutrition Programs During School Visit
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled around $22.3 million for organizations supporting underserved and veteran farmers and ranchers through the 2501 Program. Administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), this initiative aims to help these farmers own and operate successful farms.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has chosen 28 organizations to host members of USDA’s Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) as part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps initiative. The aim is to train the next generation of conservation and climate leaders, providing technical training and career pathway opportunities for young people to deliver climate-smart agriculture solutions for farmers and ranchers.Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “America’s rural communities are on the frontlines of climate change,...
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Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will join President Biden in celebrating the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Vice President Kamala Harris, who led the bill during her time in Congress, expressed her gratitude, stating, “These expansions will increase access to nature, boost our outdoor economy, and honor areas of significance to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples.” Secretary Vilsack also praised the expansion, emphasizing that it ensures protection for future generations.The expanded national monument includes a variety of sites and...
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NEW YORK, May 2, 2024 – Today, in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, the UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, and the U.S. government’s efforts to generate support for it, were spearheaded by USDA and garnered more than 100 co-sponsors, underscoring the global importance of uplifting women throughout the agriculture sector. The worldwide observance will call attention to the vital role that women...
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WASHINGTON, May 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made significant announcements today regarding key staff appointments and promotions within the organization.Jeremy Adamson has been promoted to the position of Chief of Staff for Research, Education, and Economics. Adamson, a native of Merrillville, Indiana, and a graduate of Purdue University, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having previously served in various positions related to trade, foreign agricultural affairs, and international climate efforts.Deidre Deculus Robert has been...
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WASHINGTON, April 29, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small has announced a new wave of economic development investments in rural and Tribal communities through the Rural Partners Network (RPN).Since its launch two years ago, the Biden-Harris Administration's RPN initiative has been instrumental in ensuring that historically underserved communities receive their fair share of federal funding. Deputy Secretary Torres Small highlighted the significant progress made by the Rural Partners Network, stating, "In just two years, the...
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WASHINGTON, April 26, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced its final determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products when they exceed a specific threshold (1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram or higher) for Salmonella contamination.“Under President Biden’s leadership, USDA is taking significant steps toward keeping American consumers safe from foodborne illness,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.In an effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated...
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USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a Federal Order aimed at protecting the U.S. livestock industry from the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. The order mandates measures such as mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle and reporting of positive test results in livestock to USDA APHIS."Requiring positive test reporting will help USDA better understand this disease and testing before interstate movement will limit its spread," said USDA in a statement.The USDA highlighted the importance of biosecurity measures in...
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USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the USDA is partnering with rural cooperatives, local organizations, and Tribes to support high-speed internet deployment in 11 states. The $5.2 million in cooperative agreements awarded through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to connect every community in America with affordable, reliable high-speed internet.Speaking at the Texas Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers Conference, Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of keeping...
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, has unveiled new measures aimed at enhancing the nutrition standards of school meals across the country. These changes, set to be implemented between Fall 2025 and Fall 2027, will focus on reducing added sugars, providing flexibility in menu planning, and improving the overall health value of meals served in K-12 schools.According to Secretary Vilsack, "Nutritious school meals are an essential part of the school environment, empowering our kids to achieve greater success inside...
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Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding over 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels, and create jobs for American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers. The projects, funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aim to combat the climate crisis and advance the Investing in America agenda."The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA are committed to expanding access to modern clean energy systems and fueling options that strengthen the...
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development have announced a significant initiative to provide emergency food assistance to those in need globally. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and USAID Administrator Samantha Power revealed that $1 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding will be utilized to purchase U.S.-grown commodities for this purpose.Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of American farmers in this effort, stating, "America’s farmers are the most productive and efficient in the world, and we rely on them to...