News and reports from the Department of Agriculture.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Turn Around Columbus, a nonprofit organization in Columbus, Georgia, on May 17, 2024. The organization is committed to investing in youth development and creating opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs, farmers, and community leaders. During his visit, Secretary Vilsack emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration's dedication to developing new markets, generating revenue, and supporting agriculture both in Georgia and across the nation.

On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 10 members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. The appointees include seven new members and three re-appointments, representing a diverse mix of university, non-profit, and industry representatives.

ALBANY, GA, May 16, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack attended the Regional Equity Convening for the Southeastern Region at the Sherrod Institute’s annual Farm Field Day in Albany, Georgia. The event highlighted opportunities to advance equity in agricultural and rural communities. Regional leaders and local stakeholders from across the Southeast were invited to learn about the recommendations put forward in the Equity Commission Final Report and to hear from USDA leadership on their efforts to advance equity through various initiatives.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.###

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom Highlight California Child Nutrition Programs During School Visit

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.

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,...

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...

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...