(USDA/WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2024) — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help producers impacted by Hurricane Helene in the recovery process. USDA is announcing the counties that have triggered for payment under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) endorsement for Hurricane Helene. As a result, Approved Insurance Providers (AIP) have 30 days …
FDACS Launches Loan Program for Florida Farmers Impacted by Hurricane Milton
(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/October 15, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, …
Video: Secretary Vilsack On USDA Efforts for Farmers and Communities Affected by Hurricanes
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talks with Sabrina Halvorson about the USDA’s efforts to assist farmers, ranchers, and communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
USDA Invests $46 Million to Support Veteran and Underserved Farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $46 million investment in projects aimed at supporting America’s veteran, underserved, and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement, highlighting the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to helping aspiring farmers enter the industry and improve their operations. “Starting or taking over a farm takes courage,” said Torres Small. …
USDA Awards $25 Million to Support Specialty Crop Exports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced over $25 million in funding for eight projects under its new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative. The program, launched in January 2024, aims to reduce non-tariff trade barriers for U.S. specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticultural products. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. …
Alabama Farmers Helping Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene
(ADAI/Montgomery, AL/Oct. 9, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is working to assist farmers who suffered catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Torrential rains, exceeding many rainfall records, devasted crops, livestock operations and infrastructure. “We know it will take a long time for these farmers to recover,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Alabama …
NACD Launches 2025 Friends of NACD District Grants Program
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has opened the application period for its 2025 Friends of NACD District Grants Program. This year, NACD has partnered with Scotts Miracle-Gro to offer the sixth round of funding for this initiative. The program aims to support innovative projects by providing grants of up to $2,500 for top-ranking applicants. The Friends of NACD …
Food System Leaders Urge for Continued Nutrition Security Funding
At the 2024 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Annual Meeting, three experts called for increased support for nutrition security programs. The discussion focused on integrating local and regional food systems into these initiatives. Mark Nicholson of the Alliance for National Nutrition Incentives emphasized the success of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). From September 2022 to …
USDA Invests in Dairy Industry
Last Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $11.04 million in funding to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The initiatives support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy …
Approval of First Loan for Hurricane Debby Impacted Florida Farmers
First loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 4, 2024) — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Commissioner Simpson announced the launch of the application …