USDA Announces Contracts for Round 3 of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program

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...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Applauds Red Tape Reduction for Farmers

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Washington, DC - - (May 17, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded the removal of a burdensome regulation that has long plagued family farms. The rule requiring producers to obtain Data Universal Number System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) numbers to participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs has been eliminated. Congress included this repeal in the FY 2018 Omnibus spending package, USDA’s official regulatory change will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow. “I’m pleased Congress helped us to achieve one of our regulatory goals of cutting red tape for producers utilizing conservation programs by exempting them from SAM and DUNS requirements,” Secretary Perdue said. “These numbers wer...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Appoints New Members to National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods

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Washington, DC - - (May 14, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the appointment of 18 new members and 12 returning members to the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF). “Food safety and ensuring public health continue to be at the forefront of USDA’s mission,” said Perdue. “The committee members represent a diverse group from academia, consumers, the food industry, laboratories, consultants, and government agencies all of which play an important role in providing scientific advice and expertise to USDA on food safety and wholesomeness.” NACMCF was established in 1988 by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug...

Secretary Sonny Perdue Commemorates First Year at U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Washington, DC - - (April 25, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue commemorated his first year at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today by releasing a new interactive website and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue: Year One video . In his first year, Secretary Perdue and the USDA team made breakthroughs in agricultural trade, moved to reduce burdensome regulations, responded to natural disasters, and battled through the worst fire season on record, among other notable achievements. The website and video capture some of those achievements and more. To explore the website, you may view the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue: Year One page or on the image below.







The website also features an interview with Secretary Perdue...

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement Regarding Chinese Duties on U.S. Sorghum

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Washington, DC - - (April 18, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding China’s announcement of duties of almost 179 percent on U.S. sorghum imports: “The international grain market is about the freest market there is, and it is ludicrous to even mention ‘dumping,’ because China can buy product from anywhere they choose. This is clearly a political decision by the Chinese and we reject their premise. Our sorghum producers are the most competitive in the world and we do not believe there is any basis in fact for these actions. As we explore options, we are in communication with the American sorghum industry and stand united with them. The fact remains that China has engaged in unfair trade practices over decades and President Trump is correct ...

Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on Release of 2018 Farm Bill

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Washington, DC - - (April 12, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement on the release of the 2018 Farm Bill: “I applaud Chairman Conaway and the House Agriculture Committee for their diligence and hard work in crafting the 2018 Farm Bill. The trend of low commodity prices over recent years and headlines about trade disputes have caused anxiety among agricultural producers these days, so this legislation is critically important to give them some much-needed reassurance. In my travels across the country, I have found that farmers have confidence in President Trump’s ability to negotiate strong trade deals with other nations, but they also want a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that puts their needs above Washington, D.C. politics. While there is still much work t...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Perdue issues Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order on Reducing Poverty Promotes Economic Independence

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Washington, DC - - (April 10, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today applauded President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order (EO), titled “Reducing Poverty in America by Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility,” which calls for lifting American citizens from welfare to work, from dependence to independence, and from poverty to prosperity.

Perdue issued the following statement: “I commend President Trump today for his leadership on moving Americans back to work. At the Department of Agriculture, we are responsible for administering programs which help people access nutritious food for themselves and their families, but we also know that long-term government dependency has never been a part of the...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Expands Focus on Program Integrity Across All Nutrition Programs

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April 4, 2018


Washington, DC - - (March 29, 2018) - - As part of Agriculture Secretary Perdue’s strategic goal of ensuring that our programs are delivered efficiently, effectively and with integrity, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announced an enhanced focus on program integrity today, that will include renewed attention on transparency, payment accuracy, fraud and waste prevention, and improved quality control. “Where protection of taxpayer dollars is concerned – the job is never done,” said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Brandon Lipps. “Today we are renewing our commitment to ensuring that our nutrition programs are run as effectively and efficiently as possible; increasing program int...

Secretary Perdue Issues USDA Statement on Plant Breeding Innovation

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March 29, 2018


Washington, DC - - (March 28, 2018) - - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued a statement providing clarification on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) oversight of plants produced through innovative new breeding techniques which include techniques called genome editing. Under its biotechnology regulations, USDA does not regulate or have any plans to regulate plants that could otherwise have been developed through traditional breeding techniques as long as they are not plant pests or developed using plant pests. This includes a set of new techniques that are increasingly being used by plant breeders to produce new plant varieties that are indistinguishable from those developed through traditional breeding methods. The newest of these methods, such as genome e...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Authorizes Emergency Grazing in Response to President Trump’s Directive



Washington, DC - - (April 4, 2017) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), acting in response to a directive from President Donald J. Trump, today authorized emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands located in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas – the three states which were most heavily impacted by ongoing wildfires which began on March 6, 2017. USDA Acting Deputy Secretary Michael L. Young issued a memorandum authorizing the emergency grazing of cattle by ranchers, who are facing the ruination of their herds due to lack of sufficient grazing land. The authorization is pursuant to appropriate restrictions and conservation measures, which can be found in the Acting Deputy Secretary’s memorandum.

“Ranchers are facing devastating conditions and economic calamity because of these wildfires and they need some relief, or else...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Offers Renewal Options for Expiring Conservation Stewardship Program Contracts


USDA’s Largest Conservation Program Helps Producers Improve Health, Productivity of Working Lands




Washington, DC - - (March 30, 2017) - - Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced that a contract renewal sign-up is underway for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), USDA’s largest working lands conservation program with more than 80 million acres enrolled. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) made several updates to the popular program last fall. These changes help producers better evaluate conservation options that benefit their operations while improving the health and productivity of private and Tribal working lands.

“The changes made to CSP are providing even greater opportunities for stewardship-minded producers across the country to participate and bring their...

Statement from Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael L. Young on National Agriculture Day




Washington, DC - - (March 21, 2017) - - Acting Agriculture Deputy Secretary Michael L. Young today released the following statement: "Today is National Agriculture Day, set aside to pay tribute to the farmers and ranchers of our nation. The work of American producers and growers ensures consumers in our country have plenty of safe food and a wide variety at a cost lower than much of the world. “Through their efficiency, they are able to produce more food and fiber than is demanded in our country, generating a trade surplus in agricultural products for the United States. As President Trump noted in the Presidential Proclamation declaring today National Agriculture Day, ‘American agriculture is the largest positive contributor to our Nation’s net trade balance, providing 10 percent of our exports and millions of jobs.’ “Farmers and ranchers also...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Infrastructure in Nine States


Projects are being financed in Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas





Washington, DC - - (February 28, 2017) - - Rural Development Acting Deputy Under Secretary Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is making loans to electric cooperatives that will help continue to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to rural residents, business and institutions in nine states.

"USDA continues to be a partner with cooperatives and utilities to expand and modernize the rural electric grid," Glendenning said. "These loans represent the latest efforts to create jobs, help grow the rural economy, and support new technology."

USDA is making $202 million in loans to upgrade rural electric service in Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri,...

U.S. Department of Agriculture Helps Expand Broadband Service in Rural Illinois and Oklahoma




February 28, 2017


Washington, DC - - (February 27, 2017) - - Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is awarding $19.3 million in loans to provide broadband in rural portions of Illinois and Oklahoma.

"These loans will help bring high-speed internet service to rural communities in downstate Illinois and south-central Oklahoma," Glendenning said. "Many rural areas still lack access to the type of reliable, affordable broadband service that can offer better access to jobs, educational, health care and business services."

In Oklahoma, Southern Plains Cable, LLC will receive a $15.3 million loan to build a fiber-optic broadband network serving a 55-square-mile area that includes the communities of Anadarko, Verden, and Chickasha. Illinois' Moultrie...

U. S. Department of Agriculture Invests $103 Million to Protect Lives, Property After Natural Disasters




February 27, 2017



Washington, DC - - (February 22, 2017) - - Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $103 million in fiscal year 2017 for disaster recovery efforts to help state, local and tribal units of government protect lives and property in disaster-affected areas following natural disasters. Local units of government, or sponsors, will use financial and technical assistance from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP Program) to carry out much-needed recovery projects to remedy damages caused by natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes. Nearly $9 million will be used to fund disaster recovery projects, such as debris removal and streambank stabilization, in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina that will r...