U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Federal Agencies
Recent News About U.S. Department of Agriculture
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that low-income Arkansas residents recovering from the severe storms and tornadoes beginning May 24, 2024, could be eligible for assistance through the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its updated Climate Adaptation Plan, joining over 20 federal agencies in expanding the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to enhance federal operations' resilience to climate change impacts. The updated plans advance the National Climate Resilience Framework, aligning climate resilience investments across public and private sectors through common principles and opportunities for action.
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WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 — Tomorrow, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will publish a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed national old growth forest plan amendment. The document will be available in the Federal Register and open for public comment for 90 days.
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WASHINGTON, June 17, 2024 – During the week of June 17-23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recognizing and celebrating National Pollinator Week. Pollinator species such as bees, other insects, birds, and bats play a critical role in producing more than 100 crops grown in the United States.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the USDA is making new clean energy investments in Colorado through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program, part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda. The selected applications amount to more than $81 million in partially forgivable loans from the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at partnering with rural communities to deliver clean, affordable energy to rural Coloradans.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the allocation of $50 million to 141 awardees across 40 states and Puerto Rico through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program). This initiative aims to support 177 agricultural operations and over 11,000 workers, enhancing the resilience of the U.S. food supply chain by addressing labor challenges and instability, strengthening protections for farmworkers, and expanding legal pathways for labor migration.
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WASHINGTON, June 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the White House have announced the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics. This initiative is part of President Biden’s comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, food security, environmental justice, and promoting a circular economy.
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WASHINGTON, June 11, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) today launched a global challenge aimed at advancing scientific research to address nutrition security, climate change impacts, and equity for underserved communities. The “Nourishing Next Generation Agrifood Breakthroughs” Innovation Challenge will fund transdisciplinary teams led by early-career scientists to catalyze new discoveries and transformative research addressing critical societal challenges.
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During a meeting of the Western Governors' Association today, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced that the USDA is investing nearly $66 million for projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk, protecting water quality, and improving forest health across the nation. This initiative is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a series of initiatives by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Biden-Harris Administration aimed at enhancing Tribal sovereignty and fulfilling long-standing requests from Tribal Nations for better partnership with the USDA. These measures also seek to bolster the overall resilience of the food system.
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WASHINGTON, June 4, 2024 — The Departments of Agriculture and the Interior have announced a proposed investment of $2.8 billion for fiscal year 2025 through the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) to protect public lands and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools. Projects are planned across all 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and multiple U.S. territories.
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WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced proposed steps to address competition issues in agricultural markets and create a fairer playing field for poultry growers and farmers. USDA is proposing the rule "Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems" to tackle abuses related to grower ranking payment systems and additional capital investment requirements commonly imposed on contract growers for broiler chicken.
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WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today issued a statement commemorating the 100th anniversary of the designation of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, recognized as the world's first designated wilderness area.
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WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today issued a joint memo to federal agency leaders with wildfire responsibilities, outlining their vision and goals for managing wildland fires this year. The memo highlights fire management investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, as well as other strategic priorities to reduce wildfire risk, restore ecosystems, engage in post-fire recovery, support the wildland fire workforce, and make communities more resilient to fire.
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WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 – As part of National Homeownership Month, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is celebrating 75 years of assisting millions in purchasing, repairing, and building affordable homes in rural and Tribal communities.
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WASHINGTON, May 30, 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced additional measures to safeguard the health and viability of the nation’s livestock and poultry. Following the initial detection of H5N1 in dairy cattle two months ago, USDA has collaborated with federal and state partners to understand and contain the virus. As part of these efforts, USDA is allocating an additional $824 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for emergency funding and launching a Voluntary H5N1 Dairy Herd Status Pilot Program.
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The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the appointments to the newly established Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee. This committee aims to provide advice and recommendations on measures to enhance the competitiveness of producers of seasonal and perishable produce in the Southeastern United States.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the signing of a formal agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to renew their Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (FIFLAW). The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also joined the collaboration to help reduce food loss and waste internationally.
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WASHINGTON, May 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of several individuals to senior staff positions in Washington, D.C.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input on protocols for a new Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program, the main initiative under the Growing Climate Solutions Act. The information will be collected through a Request for Information and will inform a proposed rule to establish the program.