USDA Funding for International Projects. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture will invest $178 million in seven international development projects on four continents to support U.S. government priorities. The projects include promoting climate-smart agriculture, facilitating trade, and addressing the root causes of migration in Central America. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding Wednesday …
Report: Gen Z Prefers Quick Service Restaurants
A look at restaurant trends in younger generations. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Older Gen Zs, ages 18-24, in the U.S. are discerning when choosing restaurants, according to new data by the NPD Group. Although price matters to this group, their taste preferences and definition of value dictate the type of restaurants they visit. As a result, …
USDA Expands SNAP Online Shopping, Adds New Retailers
More online shopping is available for SNAP participants. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to expand opportunities for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, participants to conveniently shop online for groceries. USDA reported Tuesday more than 150 additional retailer chains now offer online shopping to SNAP participants, representing thousands of stores. In …
RIPE Awarded $80 Million for Pilot Conservation Program
A big boost for a rural environment project. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) and its partners have been awarded $80 million for a pilot program by USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program. RIPE is a producer-led organization advancing RIPE 100. It’s a conservation program that would pay producers $100 per …
Country Music Star Supporting Farmers
A country music star is supporting his farming roots. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Building on the success of the 2021 Mythbusting campaign, the National Pork Board (NPB) is working with country music star Luke Bryan for what’s described as “Mythbusting 2.0.” Heather Hill, president of NPB, said after the success of last year they are excited …
Candy is Big Business in U.S., Sugar Industry Concerned about Policy
American candy makers are doing quite well, but is there a threat to the sugar industry? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. It seems the U.S. has a sweet tooth, and that means big profits for candy makers. According to the National Confectioners Association, U.S. confectionery sales will reach $44.9 billion by 2026, which is a more than 20 …
Cotton Program in USDA Partnership
A cotton program is one of the recipients of a USDA climate smart partnership. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is proud to be the lead and recipient of the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, which will receive funding as one of those selected as part of the USDA Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities …
August Consumer Price Index Increases
A slight increase in consumer prices. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Consumer Price Index increased 0.1 percent in August on a seasonally adjusted basis after being unchanged in July. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this week increases in the shelter, food, and medical care indexes were the largest contributors to the broad-based monthly all items …
Food Insecurity in Households with Children Reached Two-decade Low
U.S. food insecurity in households with children is down once again. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reported that food insecurity in U.S. households with children reached a two-decade low in 2021. The Economic Research Service monitors the prevalence of food insecurity in U.S. households with children by measuring food insecurity for the …
Applications Open for Rural High-Speed Internet Program
Helping households get high speed internet. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program loans and grants to expand access to high-speed internet. The agency is making over $1 billion available for the program, a critical piece of the effort to connect every American to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Congress approved …