(USDA/APHIS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating $3.7 million to Florida as part of its effort to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and surveillance, identification, and threat mitigation, and to safeguard the U.S. nursery production system. Overall, USDA is providing more than $70 million in funding this year to support 383 projects in 49 states, …
Secure Options for Signing, Sharing USDA Documents Online
Farmers and ranchers are being reminded when you work with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or Farm Service Agency (FSA), you can sign and share documents online with just a few clicks. By using Box or OneSpan, producers can digitally complete business transactions without leaving their homes or agricultural operations. Both services are free, secure and available for multiple …
USDA, HHS Release Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Washington, D.C., December 29, 2020) – Nutrition in America took a major step forward today with the publication of Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. Jointly published by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years, the guidelines provide science-based recommendations designed to foster healthy dietary patterns for Americans of all ages – from …
USDA Designates Alabama Counties as Natural Disaster Areas
Losses resulting from Hurricane Zeta MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announces that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 13 Alabama counties as primary disaster areas, due to damage and losses caused by Hurricane Zeta that occurred from October 28 through October 29, 2020. USDA reviewed the Loss Assessment Reports and determined that there were …
USDA Receives Delivery of First Significant FMD Vaccine Bank Purchase
Earlier this year, the Department of Agriculture announced the first significant purchase for its Foot-and-Mouth vaccine bank. This month, the purchase worth $27 million was delivered. The establishment of a robust FMD vaccine bank has been a top, long-term priority for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), which was instrumental in advocating for its establishment as part of the 2018 …
USDA Clears Santa’s Reindeer for Entry into the United States
(USDA/Washington, D.C., Dec, 23, 2020) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today issued a movement permit to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole, a broker with Worldwide Gifts, Unlimited. The permit will allow reindeer to enter and exit the United States between the hours of 7 p.m. Dec. 24, 2020 and …
USDA, NASA Sign Agreement to Improve Agricultural, Earth Science Research
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NASA have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening their longstanding partnership on space-based assets benefitting life on Earth. The agreement brings together NASA’s experience with technology development and space-borne Earth science measurements and USDA’s scientific experience and knowledge of agricultural production, resource conservation, food security and safety, and forests and …
RFA Ready to Assist with New Round of USDA Infrastructure Grants
(RFA) — The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced another round of funding for its successful Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, or HBIIP, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) once again offers itself as a technical resource to interested retailers. Approximately $22 million is being made available for fueling stations, convenience stores, hypermarket fueling stations, and fleet facilities to add …
USDA Seeks Public Input on Guidance Defining Nonindustrial Private Forest Land Eligibility
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input on Nonindustrial Private Forest Land (NIPF) related to technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “We want to ensure we continue program consistency across USDA agencies with how we are defining nonindustrial private forest lands,” said Juan Hernandez, NRCS State Conservationist in …
Secretary Perdue Applauds USDA’s 2020 Accomplishments
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the accomplishments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the past year. “While this was a tough year with the coronavirus, historic wildfires, and weather damage, USDA met these challenges with a multitude of programs and services to support Americans and keep our agricultural sector running and responsive to the …