New USDA Conservation Partnership Program Receives Nearly 600 Initial Proposals
WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today that USDA's new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which brings together businesses, tribes, communities and other non-government partners to invest in conservation efforts, has drawn an overwhelming response from partners across the nation. Nearly 5,000 o...
USDA Seeks Public Input to Increase Transparency of SNAP Retailer Data
WASHINGTON, August 4, 2014 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input concerning a proposal to provide more information to the public about the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits used by participants at individual grocery stores and retailers....
FACT SHEET: Biogas Opportunities Roadmap: Voluntary Actions to Reduce Methane Emissions,...
In his Climate Action Plan, released in June 2013, President Obama directed the Administration to develop a comprehensive, interagency strategy to reduce methane emissions and promote cutting-edge technologies that help farmers, energy companies, and communities convert methane into a renewable energy source and grow America's biogas energy...
USDA Announces Grants to Community Partners to Create Jobs and Strengthen...
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA has selected 10 rural microenterprises to receive grants totaling $300,000 that will support job growth and business development in several rural communities....
Greenhouse Gas Report to Assist Producers Facing Climate Challenges
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released a report that, for the first time, provides uniform scientific methods for quantifying the changes in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon storage from various land management and conservation activities....
USDA Announces Additional Food Safety Requirements, New Inspection System for Poultry...
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced a critical step forward in making chicken and turkey products safer for Americans to eat....
USDA Implements Key Farm Bill Crop Insurance Provision
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced continued progress in implementing provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill that will strengthen and expand insurance coverage options for farmers and ranchers....
USDA Announces Grants to Help Veterans and Minority Farmers Get Started...
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2014 — Today, USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden announced the availability of over $9 million in outreach and technical assistance for minority farmers and ranchers and military veterans that are new to farming and ranching....
White House Rural Council Announces $10 Billion Private Investment Fund to...
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2014 - The White House Rural Council today announced the creation of the new U.S. Rural Infrastructure Opportunity Fund through which private entities can invest in job-creating rural infrastructure projects across the country. An initial $10 billion has been committed to the fund with greater investment expected to follow....
USDA Selects 36 Energy Facilities to Accept Biomass Deliveries
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2014 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has selected 36 energy facilities in 14 states to accept biomass deliveries supported by the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Biomass owners who supply these facilities may q...
