USDA

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2013 – In the wake of recent tragedy and destruction in Kansas and Oklahoma, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing recommendations to help affected residents minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses as a result of long term power outages and compromised food storage.

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that applications are being accepted from lenders for loan guarantees to finance rural rental housing. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that grant applications are being accepted from qualified non-profit organizations and educational facilities to help rural cooperatives develop new markets for their products and services. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a series of immediate steps the Department is taking to help homeowners affected by recent tornadoes in Oklahoma.

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that loans and grants will be provided to applicants in 11 states to support businesses, improve the quality of medical care, and create or save hundreds of jobs. Funding is provided through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2013--The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently published a Notice of Solicitation for Nominations for its Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers for 2-year membership terms in the Federal Register dated April 30, 2013.

MEXICO CITY, May 17, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement following his meeting with Mexico’s new Secretary of Agriculture, Enrique Martínez y Martínez:

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2013—Secretary Vilsack made the following statement on congressional progress toward passage of a Food, Farm and Jobs Bill:

Washington, May 17, 2013 – To promote healthy eating among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford and Chef Ming Tsai have teamed up to film a cooking demonstration in the White House kitchen featuring healthy and traditional Asian recipes that follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations that support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPlate food icon.

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications from qualified organizations to provide technical assistance to rural businesses to help them expand and create jobs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

Washington, May 14, 2013 ― Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today discussed his vision for U.S. organic agriculture and USDA efforts to ensure its continued success during remarks to the Organic Trade Association. Vilsack announced a number of changes and new initiatives to support the continued growth of organic agriculture, including that the USDA’s Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) federal crop insurance program will increase coverage options for organic producers this year and provide even more options in 2014, including a contract price addendum as well as new premium price elections for organic crops. Additionally, RMA will remove the current five-percent organic rate surcharge on all future crop insurance policies beginning in 2014.

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2013 — Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up beginning May 20 and ending on June 14. Vilsack also announced the restart of sign-up for continuous CRP, including the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative, the Highly Erodible Land Initiative, the Grassland Restoration Initiative, the Pollinator Habitat Initiative and other related initiatives. Sign-up for continuous CRP began on May 13 and will continue through Sept. 30, 2013.

BOISE, ID – May 13, 2013 – During a visit to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell outlined the Federal Government's efforts to ensure collaboration in protecting Americans from wildfire, and urged homeowners and local communities to take steps to reduce their risks during the 2013 fire season.

May 9, 2013 - This Press Release is cross-posted from the Department of Commerce Office of Public Affairs. You may view the original press release here.

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2013 – The May 10 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, which will be released at 12 noon EDT, will present USDA’s initial assessment of U.S. and world crop supply and demand prospects and U.S. prices for the 2013/14 marketing year. It will also present the first calendar-year 2014 projections of U.S. livestock, poultry, and dairy products.

MADISON, WI - May 7, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded $19.5 million to support research, education and Extension activities associated with climate solutions in agriculture aimed at the impacts of climate variability and change on dairy and beef cattle. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 – With the window to respond to the 2012 Census of Agriculture officially closing on May 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and ranchers not to miss this opportunity to be counted and help determine the future of farming in America. USDA has already received more than 2 million completed Census forms.

WASHINGTON, May 3, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced new rules to better target Community Connect broadband grants to areas where they are needed the most. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today's announcement is one part of the Department's efforts to strengthen the rural economy.

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013-The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health. The report states that there are multiple factors playing a role in honey bee colony declines, including parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for two rural telecommunications companies that will expand broadband service in rural Nebraska and Montana. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.