News and reports from the Department of Agriculture.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled plans to distribute $40.5 million in grant awards aimed at bolstering the processing of domestic organic products. This strategic investment is expected to elevate the production levels of over 27,000 producers and provide benefits to more than 31.8 million American consumers.

The food and agriculture-related industries experienced an 11.8% growth over the past year, as revealed in the eighth annual Feeding the Economy report. This study, produced by a coalition of 32 food and agriculture groups, discloses that these industries' economic impact amounted to $9.63 trillion in 2023, accounting for 20.01% of total U.S. output.

The Rockefeller Foundation has published two reports that advocate for the investment in underutilized indigenous and traditional crops. The foundation argues that these crops could enhance food and nutrition security, as well as climate resilience in Africa. These reports offer recommendations to boost agricultural productivity and nutrition, supporting the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS).

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared an investment of $2.3 billion to extend clean and affordable power across rural communities throughout America. This investment forms part of the Investing in America Agenda, initiated by President Biden.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that it will allocate more than $770 million for rural infrastructure projects. This funding is expected to provide high-speed internet and clean drinking water for over one million people residing in rural communities.

The Department of Agriculture has disclosed that $500 million, sourced from the Investing in America Agenda, will be allocated to address the escalating wildfire crisis in America. The funding is earmarked for risk reduction efforts aimed at safeguarding communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared that over $270 million in funding will be made available to enhance resilience in the food supply chain. The funding is being awarded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, which is administered by the Department.