Several former U.S. Agriculture secretaries are calling on Congress to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says TPP will create new opportunities for American-grown and American–made products in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. By opening new markets in Japan, Vietnam, and other countries, we are giving our producers access to new …
USDA Looks to Expand Export Markets with MAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has handed out the fiscal year 2016 award funds for its program for commerical export markets for U.S. goods. This agency news release says the Market Access Program (MAP) will provide more than $170 million that focuses on consumer promotion, including brand promotion for small companies and cooperatives, and is used extensively by organizations …
USDA Sec & Deputy on Trade Trips to Japan & Africa
USDA’s top two officials are talking trade this week in two different regions. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is traveling to Japan Nov. 19-21, and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden is going to Africa, Nov. 17-20. Secretary Vilsack will be meeting with Japanese officials to discuss the recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership and the strong history of trade between the U.S. …
TPP Big Topic for Ag Groups at #NAFB15
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is no doubt the biggest issue for ag groups at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City this week. Representatives from six national farm groups joined USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Phil Karsting in Kansas City Wednesday for a press event to discuss the TPP. The event featured farmer leaders from the American …
Vilsack to Lead Food & Ag Delegation to Cuba
For the first time in more than 50 years, a U.S. Secretary of Agriculture will visit Cuba. Secretary Tom Vilsack, accompanied by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell of Alabama, Suzan DelBene of Washington and Kurt Schrader of Oregon, travels to Havana November 11-14, marking the first official U.S. Department of Agriculture visit to Cuba …
Chavez, Chilton Inducted to USDA Hall of Heros
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is pleased to announce the induction of Cesar Chavez and Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton into the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hall of Heroes. For the past 15 years the Hall of Heros has recognized individuals whose lives have made a lasting impact on agriculture and rural communities. Chavez and Chilton will be honored with plaques in the entry …
Deputy Ag Secy Harden Believes FFA is the Difference
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden attended her first National FFA Convention and took the stage to address FFA members during the third general session of the 88th annual event. She said she doesn’t use prepared notes but her message was clear. She believes in the future of agriculture and doesn’t just think FFA members will make a difference. She believes …
USDA Safety-Net Payments Going Out to Farmers
Farmers hit by market downturns will see relief in the form of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) payments. The agency announced about half of the 1.7 million farms that signed up for either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs will receive safety-net payments for the 2014 crop year. “Unlike the old direct payments program, which …
Vilsack Announces Sorghum Checkoff Board Members
Four new members have been appointed by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program board of directors. Boyd Funk, from Garden City, Kansas; Craig Poore, of Alton, Kansas; David Fremark, from St. Lawrence, South Dakota; and Jim Massey IV from Robstown, Texas will all serve three year terms. “We are looking forward to the diverse perspectives …
USDA Names New Deputy Under Secretary
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Lanon Baccam as the USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, overseeing the Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency, and the USDA’s Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison. Baccam is a U.S. Army and Iowa National Guard veteran and replaces Karis T. Gutter. “Throughout his career in military and public service, Lanon has …