The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing to revise regulations (7 CFR Part 340) regarding the importation, interstate movement and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms. The update to the regulations is in response to advances in genetic engineering and the accumulated experience in implementing the current regulations, as well as to …
Strong Ag Background with Perdue’s Career
Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has been nominated as U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary. Southeast AgNet talked with Perdue a few years ago about his agriculture background and life experiences. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers …
ASTA Welcomes Direction of Plant Breeding Policy
USDA has released for pre-publication a proposed rule-making notice related to plant breeding innovation. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) has been actively engaged in discussions with the agency throughout the rule-making process, and is pleased the proposal recognizes plant breeders’ long track record of safety and quality. Here’s ASTA President & CEO Andy LaVigne. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly …
USDA Strengthens Integrity of the Organic Label
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced a final rule that strengthens the integrity of the organic label by clarifying production requirements for organic livestock and poultry. The final rule establishes a level playing field for organic producers, bolsters consumer confidence in the organic label, and ensures that all organic animals live in pasture-based systems utilizing …
Ag Secretary Pick Expected Soon
The incoming Donald Trump administration is expected to fill its final cabinet seat possibly before Inauguration Day. Interviews are ongoing as of Tuesday, according to those close to the process. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers …
Importation of Hass Avocados From Colombia
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reopening the comment period for a proposed rule that would allow the importation of Hass avocados from Colombia into the continental United States. We are also notifying the public of the availability of a revised pest risk assessment (PRA) and risk management document (RMD) associated with the …
Proposal to Establish a New Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments on a proposal for a new industry-funded research and promotion program. The proposed Organic Research, Promotion, and Information Order would cover certified organic products and would include a range of agricultural commodities, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, poultry, breads, grains, snack foods, condiments, beverages, and packaged and prepared foods. It …
Changes Aimed at Ending the Inhumane Practice of Horse Soring
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced a final rule that includes changes that will help to protect horses from the cruel and inhumane practice known as soring and eliminate the unfair competitive advantage that sore horses have over horses that are not sore. The practice of soring is intended to produce …
Washington Legislative Conference March 7-10
Alabama Farmers Federation members anticipate finding a more favorable regulatory climate under President Donald Trump’s administration when they attend the biennial Washington Legislative Conference March 7-10. The Federation’s Mitt Walker said farmers are hopeful Trump and the 115th Congress will promote policies favorable to agricultural and rural communities, and he anticipates regulatory reform and the farm bill will be main …
USDA Expands Grasslands Conservation Program
Helping Dairy, Beef and Other Producers Protect Working Grasslands in 43 States U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini announced that USDA will accept over 300,000 acres in 43 states that were offered by producers during the recent ranking period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands enrollment with emphasis placed on small-scale livestock operations. …