USDA Shares Easy At-Home Advice for Handling Food Safely this Thanksgiving

U.S. Department of Agriculture Shares Easy At-Home Advice for Handling Food Safely this Thanksgiving | site |


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture press release: November 23, 2020) (Washington, D.C., November 23, 2020) – This week, Americans will enjoy a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends – either in person or virtually. Taking the necessary steps toward safe food handling and sanitation will help protect you and your loved ones this year. To make sure your Thanksgiving meal is prepared safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering food safety advice to reduce foodborne illness, including on Thanksgiving Day. “Our data shows that consumers can reduce their likelihood of foodborne illness by focusing on good hand hygiene and other food safety practices,” said Dr. Mindy Brashears, USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety. “As home chefs nationwide prepare their Thanksgiving meals, proper handwashi...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Opens Registration for the 2021 Agricultural Outlook Forum| site |


The 2021 Forum Will Be Virtual and Registration Is Free


(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture press release: November 18, 2020)

Washington, D.C., November 18, 2020 - - Registration is now open for the 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), the largest annual meeting and premiere event of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The two-day Forum will take place on Feb. 18-19, 2021. Due to COVID-19 and current restrictions on large gatherings in the Washington, D.C. area, USDA will hold the 2021 Forum virtually for the first time and registration will be free for the event.

The 2021 Forum, themed “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience,” builds on USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda, launched earlier this year to align USDA’s resources, programs, and research toward the goal of increasing...

U.S. Department of Agriculture: USDA Forest Service Announces Key Changes to NEPA Procedures | site |


(November 18, 2020) - - On November 18, 2020 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information: WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2020 – The USDA Forest Service today announced the publication of a final rule implementing key changes to its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The changes include new tools and flexibilities to tackle critical land management challenges as part of a broader agency effort to better serve the American people through timely, high-quality management decisions affecting infrastructure, permitting and restoration of natural resources on their national forests and grasslands. “These changes will ensure we do the appropriate level of environmental analysis to fit the work, locations and conditions,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “The new categorical exclusions will ultimately improve...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Scholars Programs for Students at Historically Black and Tribal Land-Grant Colleges and Universities | site |


(November 12, 2020) - - On November 12, 2020 the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

(Washington, D.C., November 12, 2020) – Twenty-first century agriculture involves cutting-edge science, technology, business management – and you. Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces scholarships to help you build a career path in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and many more agriculture-related subjects.

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 in partnership between USDA and 19 historically black universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890. The program provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board, and a summer internship to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource...

USDA, EPA Welcome Two New Members as U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions | site |



Meijer, UNFI commit to reduce food loss and waste in their operations


(November 12, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture published (today) the following information:

(WASHINGTON, D.C., November 12, 2020) — Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the addition of Meijer, an American supercenter chain throughout the Midwest, and UNFI, a North America Food wholesaler, to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions. Champions are U.S. businesses and organizations that pledge to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations by 50 percent by the year 2030. The commitment and action of these businesses will help the U.S. move closer to the national goal, protect and save valuable resources, and improve food system efficiencies...

Trump Administration Returns Management and Protection of Gray Wolves to States and Tribes Following Successful Recovery Efforts| site |


(October 29, 2020) - - On October 29, 2020 the U.S. Department of the Interior published the following information:

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - More than 45 years after gray wolves were first listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Trump Administration and its many conservation partners are announcing the successful recovery of the gray wolf and its delisting from the ESA. U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt was at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to announce that state and tribal wildlife management agency professionals will resume responsibility for sustainable management and protection of delisted gray wolves in states with gray wolf populations, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) monitors the species for five years to ensure the continued success of the species. ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture announces OneUSDA Internship Program for Summer 2021 | site |


(November 9, 2020) - - On November 9, 2020 the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: (Washington, D.C., November 9, 2020) – Get the first leg up on your career ladder with a summer 2021 internship at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). As part of the federal Pathways Program, USDA offers paid federal internships at USDA agencies and offices around the country. USDA is hiring interns from high school to graduate level for a broad range of occupational fields, from veterinary science, to engineering, to natural resources management, and finance. This developmental program gives students experience to enhance their educational goals and shape their career choices. USDA internships involve on-the-job experience, mentorship, and training tailored to the student’s education, experience, and interests. The program is available to student...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on DOL's H2A Wage Rule | site |



(November 2, 2020) - - Today, November 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information:

(Washington, D.C., November 2, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new H2A Wage Rule, which delivers on President Trump’s promise to stabilize farm labor costs and reform the H-2A wage rate. “This rule shows once again President Trump’s commitment to America’s farmers by delivering lower costs when they need it the most,” said Secretary Perdue. “Over the past several years farm wages have increased at a higher pace than other industries, which is why this DOL rule could not come at a better time. This is an example of good government that will ensure greater stability for farmers and help them make long term business decisions rather than facing uncertainty year after ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Exempts Tongass National Forest from the 2001 Roadless Rule | site |



(October 28, 2020) - - Today, October 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a final Alaska Roadless Rule that exempts the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 provision that prohibited road construction, road reconstruction and timber harvests. The Record of Decision identifies the selected alternative, provides the rationale for the decision, and explains that the exemption does not authorize any specific projects in Alaska. Proposed projects must continue to comply with the 2016 Tongass Land Management Plan and be analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act. The official notice is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Oct. 29, 2020. A copy of the final Alaska Roadless Rule and the Record of Decision als...

U.S. Department of Agriculture says More than $7 Billion Paid in Second Round of USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program | site |


(October 26, 2020) - - Today, October 26, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information: (Washington, D.C., Oct. 26, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than $7 billion in payments to producers in the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. CFAP 2 provides agricultural producers with financial assistance to help absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. “America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments directed by President Trump will continue to help this critical industry recoup some of their losses from ongoing market disrupti...

National Drought Resilience Partnership Responsibilities Under New Executive Order | site |



(October 22, 2020) - - Today, October 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information:

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2020 – National Drought Resilience Partnership (NDRP) staff provided an overview of the NDRP’s role under the Presidential Executive Order (EO) issued October 13 on Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure at the National Integrated Drought Information System Executive Council fall meeting on Tuesday. Established in 2016, the NDRP is an interagency task force responsible for enhancing coordination of federal drought resilience policies and monitoring the implementation of the activities and goals as set out in the Presidential Memorandum that established the partnership. Under the EO, the NDRP will implement the “Priority Actions Supporting Long-Term Drought Resilience” document is...

Trump Administration Welcomes Amazon to the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions | site |




(October 16, 2020) - - Today, October 16, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

WASHINGTON (Oct. 16, 2020) — Today, on World Food Day, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue welcomed Amazon as a new member of the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions. Champions are U.S. businesses and organizations that pledge to reduce food loss and waste in their own operations by 50 percent by the year 2030. The commitment and action of these businesses will help the U.S. move closer to the national goal, protect and save valuable resources, and improve food system efficiencies while reducing waste.

“The Trump Administration is leading the way in combating food waste, and the addition of Amazon to our Food Loss...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on President Trump’s Trillion Trees Executive Order| site |


(October 13, 2020) - - Today, October 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: (Washington, D.C., October 13, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement following President Trump signing the Executive Order Establishing the One Trillion Trees Interagency Council: “The Trillion Tree Executive Order signed today by President Trump further demonstrates the Administration’s commitment and leadership in ensuring our national forests are healthy and productive so they can continue to meet the needs of citizens and communities, both now and into the future,” said Secretary Sonny Perdue. “When I was growing up on my family farm, my father always taught me to appreciate that ‘when it comes to the land, we want to leave it better than we found it.’ The President’s Executive Order will do...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Launches New, Streamlined Process for Private Lenders to Invest in Rural America | site |


USDA says "Trump Administration Keeps Promise to Cut Red Tape and Increase Private Investment in America’s Rural Communities"


(October 1, 2020) - - Today, October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information: WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the department’s four key loan guarantee programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative. “Rural America needs a mix of public and private partnerships and investments to build stronger, healthier communities,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is cutting red tape and streamlining private investment so w...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Contracts for Round 3 of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program | site |



(September 17, 2020) - - Today, September 17, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

(Washington, D.C., September 17, 2020) – Following President Donald Trump’s approval to include up to an additional $1 billion in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved up to $1 billion in contracts to support American producers and communities in need through the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Earlier this week, USDA reached a milestone of having distributed more than 90 million food boxes in support of American farmers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “These contract awards will go to vendors who submitted the strongest proposals in support of American agriculture and the Ame...

IRS lists some popular Tax Benefits renewed for 2019 - - IRS Publication 17 helps with 2019 Taxes| site |



(February 26, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published the following information:

WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that it is processing tax returns claiming benefits extended or changed by recent legislation. Most taxpayers can file when they are ready – and as they normally would – if they are eligible for one or more of these benefits and claim them on their 2019 federal tax return.

Taxpayers can get the most out of various tax benefits and get useful tips on preparing their 2019 federal income tax returns by consulting a free, comprehensive tax guide available on IRS.gov. Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, features an in-depth look at on tax changes for 2019 including recent legislative changes and covers the general rules for filing a federal income tax return. It supplements...

USDA says United Nations Declares 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health | site |



USDA Kicks Off Awareness Efforts in the United States


(January 27, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information: WASHINGTON, D.C., January 27, 2020 – Plants make the oxygen we breathe and give us 80 percent of the food we eat. But plants are under attack by invasive pests. These pests destroy up to 40 percent of the world’s food crops and cause $220 billion in trade losses each year according to the United Nations (U.N.). That leaves millions of people worldwide without enough food to eat and seriously damages agriculture—the primary source of income for rural communities. To bring worldwide attention to this challenge, the U.N. has declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health. They are calling on people, organizations, industries, scientists, and governments to work together to pro...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue: China Phase I Deal is a Bonanza for American Agriculture| site |



(January 15, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published (today) the following information:

(Washington, D.C., January 15, 2020) – U.S. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the historic Phase One Trade Agreement between the United States and China: “This agreement is proof President Trump’s negotiating strategy is working. While it took China a long time to realize President Trump was serious, this China Phase I Deal is a huge success for the entire economy. This agreement finally levels the playing field for U.S. agriculture and will be a bonanza for America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers,” said Secretary Perdue. “China has not played by the rules for too long, and I thank President Trump for standing up to their unfair trading practices and for putting America fir...

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Launch Website for Biotechnology Regulation| site |



(January 9, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture published (today, January 9, 2020) the following information:

(Washington, D.C., January 9, 2020) – Today, in recognition of January 2020 as National Biotechnology Month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation. The Website streamlines information about the three regulatory agencies charged with overseeing agriculture biotechnology products and is part of President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology Products. “Agricultural biotechnology has been and will continue to be an essential tool in helping America’s farmers and...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on President Trump’s Nomination of Lipps for FNCS Under Secretary| site |



(January 7, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

(Washington, D.C., January 7, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Brandon Lipps as Under Secretary of the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “It is critically important to have someone as qualified and experienced as Brandon Lipps to run our nation’s nutrition policy. I thank President Trump for nominating Brandon who has already been serving in an FNCS leadership position as Deputy Under Secretary,” Perdue said. “I encourage the Senate to swiftly confirm Brandon to lead such an important part of USDA’s duty to the American people, even though...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Applauds USDA’s 2019 Accomplishments| site |



(December 19, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: (Washington, D.C., December 19, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the accomplishments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the past year. USDA has continued enacting President Trump’s goals of regulatory reform, streamlining government, and refocusing USDA to be customer oriented. “At USDA it is our honor to work on behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers. This was a tough year with historic weather damage and unjustified trade retaliation. Our goal was to ‘Do Right and Feed Everyone’ by implementing much needed farm bill programs, enacting President Trump’s Support Package for Farmers, and continuing to feed and clothe this nation and the world,” said Secretary Perdue. “As we look to 2020, ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture to Make $550 Million in Funding Available in 2020 to Deploy High-Speed Broadband Internet Infrastructure in Rural America | site |


Announcement Made at Round One Investment in Iowa


(December 12, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

STANTON, Iowa, Dec. 12, 2019 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the availability of a second round of $550 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect Pilot Program funding appropriated by Congress. The application window for this round of funding is set to open Jan. 31, 2020. Secretary Perdue made the announcement alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds while congratulating the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company of Stanton, Iowa, for receiving $6.4 million in first-round Reconnect Pilot Program funding to connect 477 households, 35 farms and 21 businesses in Montgomery and Page counties. �...

U.S. Department of Agriculture says With Record Low Unemployment, USDA Finalizes Rule to Promote Work | site |



(December 6, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: (Washington, D.C., December 6, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue released the following statement regarding the latest jobs report released today by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The jobs report shows the economy added 266,000 new jobs in November with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which remains at a record 50 year low. Earlier this week, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a rule to help move more able-bodied recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) towards self-sufficiency and into employment. The rule restores the system to what Congress intended: assistance through difficult times, not a way of life. “Today’s jobs report is further ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests $62.3 Million in Rural Broadband Infrastructure for Alabama Families | site |



(December 5, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

HAMILTON, Ala., Dec. 5, 2019 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy announced USDA has invested $62.3 million in high-speed broadband infrastructure that will create or improve e-Connectivity for more than 8,000 rural households, 57 farms, 44 businesses, 17 educational facilities, 14 critical community facilities and three health care facilities in rural Alabama. This is one of many funding announcements in the first round of USDA’s ReConnect Pilot Program investments. “Beyond connecting us to our friends and family, high-speed broadband internet connectivity, or e-Connectivity, is a necessity, not an amenity, to do business, access opportunities in educatio...

U.S. Department of Agriculture says USDA Restores Original Intent of SNAP: A Second Chance, Not A Way of Life | site |




With record low unemployment, USDA finalizes rule to promote work


(December 4, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information: (Washington, D.C., December 4, 2019) – At the direction of President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a final rule to move more able-bodied recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) towards self-sufficiency and into employment. The rule restores the system to what Congress intended: assistance through difficult times, not a way of life. “Americans are generous people who believe it is their responsibility to help their fellow citizens when they encounter a difficult stretch. Government can be a powerful force for good, but government dependency has never been the American...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests in Drinking Water Quality and Wastewater Management for 784,000 Rural Residents and Businesses in 42 States| site |


Projects will Improve Water Pressure, Address Public Health and Environmental Issues

(November 19, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that the department is investing $635 million in 122 projects to improve water systems and wastewater handling services in rural communities in 42 states. USDA is funding the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. “These investments will bring reliable infrastructure to rural communities. They will replace old, fragile, leaking water pipes with new ones and allow upgrades to water handling systems that are decades old, boosting wa...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces 1890 National Scholars Program Funding Opportunity| site |


(October 29, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

WASHINGTON, October 29, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the 2020 scholarship application cycle for the USDA/1890 National Scholars Program. The program aims to increase the number of students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and other agriculture-related disciplines. The program is available through the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

The USDA/1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as part of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the nineteen 1890 Land-Grant Universities . The program provides full tuition, fees, books, room and board to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements in 25 States | site |


Investments will Benefit 168,000 People in Rural Communities


(September 23, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2019 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary of Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is investing $144 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 25 states.

“Modern and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure systems are foundational to economic growth and quality of life in rural communities,” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to investing in this critical infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

USDA is investing in 45 projects through the Water and...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Modernizes Swine Slaughter Inspection for the First Time in Over 50 Years| site |


(September 17, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: WASHINGTON, September 17, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a final rule to modernize swine slaughter inspection and bring it into the 21st century. For the first time in more than five decades, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is modernizing inspection at market hog slaughter establishments with a goal of protecting public health while allowing for food safety innovations. “This regulatory change allows us to ensure food safety while eliminating outdated rules and allowing for companies to innovate,” Secretary Sonny Perdue said. “The final rule is the culmination of a science-based and data-driven rule making process which builds on the food safety improvements made in 1997, when USDA intr...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Resources Available for Farmers Hurt by 2018, 2019 Disasters| site |


Signup Begins Sept. 11 for More Than $3 Billion in Aid


(September 9, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 9, 2019 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019, including Hurricane Dorian, can apply for assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). Signup for this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will begin Sept. 11, 2019. “U.S. agriculture has been dealt a hefty blow by extreme weather over the last several years, and 2019 is no exception,” Perdue said. “The scope of this year’s prevented planting alone is devastating, and although these disaster program benefits will not make producers whole, we hope the assistance will ease so...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on Newly Appointed Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Leadership | site |



(August 19, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: (Washington, D.C., August 19, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has sworn in Brandon Lipps as Deputy Under Secretary of the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services (FNCS) and Pam Miller as the Administrator of the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “I am excited to welcome Brandon Lipps and Pam Miller to these new roles within the Department and thank them for their hard work up to this point. Both Brandon and Pam have extensive experience in nutrition policy and have already been serving in FNCS leadership positions. I am confident they will hit the ground running and continue the great work the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services d...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Using Flexibility to Assist Farmers, Ranchers in Flooded Areas| site |


(August 15, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: WASHINGTON, D.C., August 15, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced it will defer accrual of interest for all agricultural producers’ spring 2019 crop year insurance premiums to help the wide swath of farmers and ranchers affected by extreme weather in 2019. Specifically, USDA will defer the accrual of interest on spring 2019 crop year insurance premiums to the earlier of the applicable termination date or for two months, until November 30, for all policies with a premium billing date of August 15, 2019. For any premium that is not paid by one of those new deadlines, interest will accrue consistent with the terms of the policy. “USDA recognizes that farmers and ranchers have been severely affected by th...

Perdue Statement on Meeting with Guatemalan Ministers| site |


(August 14, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Depatment of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information:

(Washington, D.C., August 14, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today met with a host of Ministers from Guatemala to discuss implementation of the recently signed agreement between the United States and Guatemala to improve H-2A visa program operations. Following the meeting, Secretary Perdue issued the following statement:

“America’s farmers and ranchers need a legal and reliable agricultural work force, and we are eager to help our producers take advantage of this great opportunity to add a qualified pool of workers to the H-2A visa program. This critical partnership with Guatemala will benefit both our nations and will improve the H-2A visa program in the future.”

...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Names Members to the National Watermelon Promotion Board

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Washington, DC - - (November 14, 2018) - - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of sixteen members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms from Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2021.

Members appointed are:

• Mr. Dalton Willis Borders, Edinburg, Texas
• Mr. Cody Buckley, San Antonio, Texas
• Ms. Jordan Carter, Cordele, Ga.
• Mr. Richard Chastain, Alva, Fla.
• Mr. John Gee, Temecula, Calif.
• Mr. Jose F. Gomez Ph.D., El Paso, Texas
• Mr. W. Rodney Jackson, Autryville, N.C.
• Mr. Michael J. Marks, Capron, Va.
• Mr. Rod Rosales, Kingsburg, Calif.
• Mr. James Sharp, Sims, N.C.
• Mr. Matt Solana, Louisburg, N.C.
• Mr. Carlos Vickers, Nashville, Ga.
• Mr. Darren K. Wiggins, Center, Texas

Members re-appointed include:

• Mr. Luke

...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on Dept. of Labor Rulemaking on H-2A Visa Program

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Washington, DC - - (November 8, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised proposed rulemaking by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), which could help farmers advertise job openings to domestic workers as required under the H-2A visa program. The DOL rulemaking would require that employers seeking to hire temporary workers post the employment opportunities online, rather than in expensive newspapers advertisements reaching a limited audience. This is an early step in H-2A regulatory reforms as promised in May in a joint statement of the Secretaries of Agriculture, Labor, State, and Homeland Security. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “When I travel around the country, one of the biggest concerns farmers raise is the shortage of legal farm labor. Ou...

Statement of U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Regarding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Decision on Dicamba

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Washington, DC - - (November 1, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to extend the registration of dicamba for two years. The extension is for “over-the-top” use to control weeds in fields for cotton and soybean plants genetically engineered to resist dicamba. Perdue’s statement is as follows: “It is important that the EPA has decided to renew the registration of over-the-top use of this important weed control technology on dicamba-resistant cotton and soybeans, because it presents farmers with options. This represents the conclusion of a very thorough scientific review, in conjunction with stakeholders, involving site visits and careful consideration of facts....

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Early Release of Select Commodity Tables for USDA's Agricultural Projections to 2028

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Washington, DC - - (October 29, 2018) - - On November 2, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. EDT, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will release selected tables prepared for the upcoming USDA Agricultural Projections to 2028 report. USDA will post online tables containing long-term supply, use, and price projections to 2028 for major U.S. crops and livestock products and will include supporting U.S. and international macroeconomic assumptions. The short-term projections from the October 11, 2018 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report are used as a starting point. The complete USDA Agricultural Projections to 2028 report will be released in February 2019. The complete report will include a full discussion of the commodity supply and use projections, as well as ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture says Assistance is Available through NRCS for Ag Land Damaged by Hurricane Michael

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Gainesville, FL - - (October 26, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that Florida farmers and ranchers who suffered damage to working lands and livestock mortality due to Hurricane Michael are encouraged to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Agricultural producers in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington counties are eligible to apply for assistance. The first sign-up period ends Nov. 16, 2018. A second sign-up period will end Dec. 14, 2018. This assistance is available to individual farmers and ranchers to aid in recovery efforts on their properties and does not apply to local gover...

U. S. Department of Agriculture Assistance Available to Restore Infrastructure Damaged by Hurricane Florence

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Assistance Request Deadline is Dec. 5, 2018


Washington, DC - - (October 26, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Carolina is accepting requests for assistance to help communities implement critical emergency measures and restore eligible infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, houses, and businesses as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Florence and associated flooding.

Requests for assistance through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, which is designed to relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods and other natural occurrences in watershed, must be submitted in writing to the NRCS State Conservationist in South Carolina by Dec. 5, 2018. “NRCS is ...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Issues Statement on Department of Justice Filing in 9th Circuit Chlorpyrifos Ruling

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Washington, DC - - (September 24, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to request a rehearing of a pesticide case before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. DOJ has asked for a panel rehearing and a rehearing en banc in a case in which the court directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban chlorpyrifos, a common and useful pesticide, within 60 days. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “USDA disagrees with the ruling ordering EPA to revoke tolerances and cancel registrations for chlorpyrifos. The decision appears to be based on a misunderstanding of both the available scientific information and EPA’s pesticide regulatory system. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) a...

What They are Saying: Ag Community Support for President Donald J. Trump's Successful Trade Negotiations with Mexico and Canada

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(October 3, 2018) - - Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information:

Government Officials:

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig: “This is the welcome news our farmers need as they bring in this year’s harvest and plan for 2019. Canada and Mexico are our first and second largest trading partners. This agreement brings much needed certainty to our producers and ensures access to these critical markets going forward.”

Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles: “Excited to hear about the new trade deal with Canada and Mexico. Our producers need the certainty that comes from trade. Looking forward to getting the full details of #USMCA in the coming days #KyAg365."

Louisiana...

U.S. Department of Agriculture to Realign The Economic Research Service with Chief Economist, Relocate ERS and National Institute of Food and Agriculture Outside DC

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Washington, DC - - (August 9, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Sonny Perdue today announced further reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), intended to improve customer service, strengthen offices and programs, and save taxpayer dollars. The Economic Research Service (ERS), currently under USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics mission area, will realign once again with the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) under the Office of the Secretary. Additionally, most employees of ERS and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will be relocated outside of the National Capital Reg...

U.S. Poultry Gains New Market Access in Morocco

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Washington, DC - - (August 7, 2018) - - U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow commercial imports of U.S. poultry meat and products into Morocco for the first time. “The Trump Administration continues to prioritize the opening of new markets for U.S. agricultural products. This new access to the Moroccan market is an important step in ensuring that American farmers and ranchers can continue to expand their exports,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “I welcome Morocco’s agreement to allow imports of U.S. poultry meat and products and the economic opportunities that will be afforded to U.S. producers.” “Opening new markets for American poultry and other agricultural products is a top priority. I am convinced that whe...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests $97 Million in Rural Broadband Infrastructure to Improve Service for 22,000 Subscribers in 11 States

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Projects Will Provide High-Speed Communications Technology to Support Economic and Educational Opportunities


Washington, DC - - (August 1, 2018) - - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $97 million in 12 projects to provide or improve rural broadband service in 11 states. “A person’s location should not determine whether he or she has access to modern communications infrastructure,” Secretary Perdue said. “That is why USDA is partnering with businesses and communities by investing in state-of-the-art broadband e-connectivity to remote and rural areas. These investments will expand access to educational, social and business opportunities for 22,000 ...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Assists Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation

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Washington, DC - - (July 24, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take several actions to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified retaliation. President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers while the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally. Specifically, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated $11 billion impact of the unjustified retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. These programs will assist agricultural producers to meet the costs of disrupted markets. “This is a short-...

Secretary Perdue Announces New Budget Director at U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Washington, DC - - (June 19, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the selection of Erica Navarro to serve as Director of the Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). OBPA administers the Department's budgetary functions and also develops and presents budget-related matters. The Director is responsible for providing leadership in carrying out Department-wide responsibilities in policy analysis, program review, budget, legislative, and regulatory functions. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement: “A top priority at USDA is to be the most effective, most efficient, and best-managed department in the entire federal government, and highly qualified officials like Erica will help us achieve that goal. Erica has a sterling tr...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Extends Application Deadline for Dairy Margin Protection Program to June 22

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Re-enrollment Continues Through June 22, Dairy producers urged to act now


Washington, DC - - (June 12, 2018) - - U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the re-enrollment deadline for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy will be extended until June 22, 2018. The new and improved program protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below levels of protection selected by the applicant. USDA has already issued more than $89 million for margins triggered in February, March, and April, and USDA offices are continuing to process remaining payments daily. “Last week we re-opened enrollment to offer producers preoccupied with field work an additional opportunity to come int...

USDA’s Farmers.gov Receives $10 Million in Funding for Development

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Washington, DC - - (June 7, 2018) - - Today, the Technology Modernization Fund Board (Board) awarded funding to support the development of USDA’s Farmers.gov customer experience portal, which helps better connect America’s farmers, ranchers, conservationists, and private foresters with vital USDA resources and programs. The Board is chaired by the Federal Chief Information Officer for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Following the funding announcement from OMB, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said, “Farmers.gov will provide a user-friendly portal for connecting agricultural producers to the USDA services and programs they need. This new resource also will reduce the time farmers need to take away from their fields today to fill out paperwork. We are very...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Pilot Program to Increase Homeownership Opportunities on Native Lands

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Department is Partnering with Native Community Development Financial Institutions



Washington, DC - - (May 31, 2018) - - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a pilot program to increase homeownership opportunities on Tribal lands. “To thrive, rural America needs a creative and forward-thinking partner in USDA,” Hazlett said. “Under Secretary Perdue’s leadership, USDA is harnessing innovation so we can be a better, more effective partner to Tribal communities in building their futures.” USDA is partnering with two Native Community Development Financial Institutions (NCDFIs) that have extensive experience working in Native American communities. T...

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue says Trump Administration Stands Behind Ag Producers

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Secretary Sonny Perdue: “My message to rural America is always the same: President Trump hears you and is working to make your life better.”



(May 20, 2018) - - In an Op-Ed published in the Omaha World-Herald, U.S. Secretary of Education Sonny Perdue reaffirms the Trump administration's support of farmers. In the article, Secretary Perdue says: Throughout my travels, I’ve heard from the people living in rural America about what they want out of this administration: a boost in the economy, a decrease in burdensome regulations, an increase in trade and a farm bill that works for America’s agriculture community. My message to rural America is always the same: President Trump hears you and is working to make your life better. In the last 16 month...