USDA Seeks Applications for Loans and Grants to Help Grow Rural...
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – Rural Business Cooperative-Service Administrator Sam Rikkers today announced that USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants to help support the start-up or expansion of rural businesses....
USDA Awards $8.5 Million to Improve Communities' Water Sources
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – In celebration of World Water Day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded more than $8.5 million in grants that 10 universities will use to help communities improve water resource quality and quantity....
Food and Agriculture Groups Express Support, Optimism for New Opportunities in...
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2016 – Leaders from across the U.S. agriculture and food sectors are expressing support and optimism in new opportunities for collaboration with their Cuban counterparts, announced during President Obama's historic visit to the island. The two neighboring countries share common climate and agriculture related concerns, a...
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Historic Agreements for U.S.-Cuba Agriculture Sectors
HAVANA, March 21, 2016 - As part of President Obama's historic trip to Cuba to further normalization of relations, advance commercial and people-to-people ties, and express our support for human rights for all Cubans, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced several measures that will foster further collaboration between the U.S. and...
USDA Announces Rural Schools Payments
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the investment of more than $272 million will go to 41 states and Puerto Rico this year in support of local schools, roads and forests through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS). The SRS is administered by the U.S. Forest Service....
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on National Agriculture Day
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2016-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement:...
Farm to School Programs Invest Nearly $800 Million in Local Economies
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2016 – Schools across the United States purchased $789 million in local foods from farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food processors and manufacturers in school year 2013 – 2014, according to results from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm to School Census released today. That represents a 105 percent increase ove...
USDA Launches Online MyPlate, MyWins Challenge, Available Throughout National Nutrition Month
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2016 – In honor of National Nutrition Month, the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today launched the MyPlate, MyWins Challenge which encourages people to make small, easy changes – MyWins – to their eating and activity habits, and to build on their wins over time to achieve a healthier lifestyle. With the MyPlate, MyWin...
USDA Announces $260 Million Available for Regional Conservation Partnership Program
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of up to $260 million for partner proposals to improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. The funding is being made available through USDA Natural Resources C...
United States Secures Full Access for U.S. Beef and Beef Products...
LIMA, Peru, March 14, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman announced today that the U.S. government has reached agreement with the government of Peru to remove barriers for U.S. beef exports to Peru that have remained in effect since 2003, opening one of the fastest growing markets in Latin America t...