The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with higher payment rates, new incentives and a more targeted focus on the program’s role in climate change mitigation. This includes investments in partnerships to increase climate-smart agriculture, including $330 million in 85 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects and $25 million for …
USDA to Provide Debt Relief for Socially Disadvantaged Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants producers to know the American Rescue Plan includes provisions for USDA to pay up to 120% of loan balances, as of January 1, 2021, for Farm Service Agency (FSA) Direct and Guaranteed Farm Loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans debt relief to any socially disadvantaged producer who has a qualifying loan with FSA. …
Farmers to Families Food Box Program Will End Soon
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told House lawmakers Wednesday the Department of Agriculture is ending the Farmers to Families Food Box program. According to a story from Gary Crawford, it will end later this month. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2024Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024TriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024
USDA Invests Millions in Specialty Crops Grants, Incentives to Purchase Fruits and Vegetables, and Help for Cotton Producers
USDA Also Informs Dairy Producers and Processors about New Dairy Donation Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of more than $330 million to help agricultural producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding announced today is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative launched …
USDA Grant Program Needed for Local Meat Processors
The Center for Rural Affairs (CFRA) recently submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging them to open applications for a grant program to help local meat processors. The legislation, authorized by Congress in December, set funding aside to improve capacity at local meat lockers, but CFRA says the agency has been slow to respond. In a letter to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, …
How to Help in the Fight Against Destructive Pest
How to help in the fight against destructive pests that threaten the nation’s food supply, forests, and natural resources. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is on a mission to stop invasive and hungry pests that can threaten and devastate agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Some things you can do to help include: Familiarizing yourself with the …
Warning About Invasive and Destructive Pests
The warning about invasive and destructive pests and why the Ag Department is asking for your help this month. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared April “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. And, it needs everyone’s help fighting against invasive pests that pose a threat to the nation’s …
Public Input Needed to Create a New Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture seeks public input to help create a new Rural Renewable Energy Pilot Program. USDA is seeking written comments and will host a public listening session on April 22, 2021. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provided $10 million to USDA to develop a pilot program that provides financial assistance to rural communities to further develop …
USDA Buying More Grapefruit Juice
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on March 5 announced an $18 million purchase of grapefruit juice in response to winter weather in Texas, the Indian River Citrus League (IRCL) reported. The February Texas freeze caused estimated citrus crop losses of at least $230 million and hit before much of the Texas citrus crop had been harvested. “For the past three decades, …
Vilsack Discusses New Assistance for Cattle Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This is part of a larger effort to reach a greater share of farming operations and improve USDA pandemic assistance. Talking to farm broadcasters Wednesday afternoon, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack outlined the overall goal of the new USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers package. He …