A chance for firsthand knowledge of ag business in Chile. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for a trade mission to Santiago, Chile, September 25-29. American agribusinesses will participate in business-to-business meetings with potential importers from both Chile and Peru. The trade mission coincides with Peru’s …
USDA Investing $320 Million to Strengthen Supply Chains
The USDA is investing in supply chains. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is investing $320 million to create new and better markets for agricultural producers and food businesses in 19 states across rural America. “Our goal is to expand processing capacity, create fairer markets and more revenue streams and market opportunities to help bring down …
Lamb Board Building Local Relationships
Localizing the love of lamb. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The continuing trend toward local food sourcing has put hometown butchers and specialty meat shops on the radar of likely lamb consumers. In June, the American Lamb Board (ALB) connected with 50 of these U.S. businesses through its new “Butcher Box” direct mail kit. The goal is …
USDA Seeks Fiscal Year 2024 Suggestions for Plant Protection Projects
The USDA wants suggestions for some of next year’s projects. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) seeks input for fiscal year 2024 Plant Protection Act funding to protect American agriculture and natural resources. The open period for submitting suggestions for Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Program (PPDMDPP) …
Farmers Take Their Message to Washington D.C.
Farmers take their message to Washington D.C. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Farmers from around the nation were recently in Washington D.C. to meet with lawmakers and discuss priorities for the 2023 farm bill. The American Farm Bureau Federation Advocacy Fly-In was attended by more than 150 farmers and ranchers. Agriculture Committee leaders spoke before the group …
Food Prices Rise Slightly in May
Another slight bump in food prices. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. After two straight months of flat food prices, the cost of food increased slightly during May. Overall food prices rose 0.2 percent from April to May. The New York Times says U.S. grocery prices rose 0.1 percent in May, up from April, when prices dropped 0.2 …
Rural Social Connections Draw Healthcare Professionals
The friendly small-town reputation may be drawing healthcare professionals. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The availability of healthcare professionals in rural areas lags that of urban areas, partly because of difficulties in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reports that when choosing rural locations to practice, healthcare professionals most often cite social aspects, …
SNAP Online Purchasing Now Available in All 50 States
Easier access to healthy food for those enrolled in SNAP. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Online purchasing using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is now available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The expansion represents a major milestone in the history of SNAP and continues to provide greater convenience and access to healthy …
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act Moves Out of Committee
A push for whole milk in schools moves forward. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Committee on Education and the Workforce last week voted to advance a bill restoring whole milk in schools. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023 highlights milk’s health benefits and nutrients to young Americans, including better bone health, lower blood …
Grocery Inflation Cooling
A little relief at the grocery store. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. After two years of climbing grocery bills, things are starting to cool off. “In April grocery inflation on a three-month annualized basis, which is just saying if the three months we’re looking at stayed that way all year, inflation was actually negative,” Joelle Gamble, Deputy …