Data from the 2013-2014 school year for the USDA’s Farm to School Grant Program has been released. The results show that a strong farm to school program encourages students to purchase breakfast and lunch at school, increases students positive food choices, and reduces waste. The census also showed a 55 percent increase in the amount of food purchased locally by …
USDA Gives $3 Mil in Critical Ag Production Research Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving $3 million in grants to address critical issues affecting agriculturally-important plants and animals. This news release from the agency’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) says the science developed from these grants will provide timely assistance and have an immediate impact for the agriculture community. The awards were made under the …
USDA Gives $17 Mil for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
More than $17 million in grants to help America’s beginning farmers and ranchers is being given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This news release from the agency says the awards are through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, administered by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). “When new farmers and ranchers start their operations, the …
USDA Breaks Down Benefits of TPP for Each State
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making its case on how the newly reached Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement will benefit ag operations across the country. This news release says the USDA is releasing a series of fact sheets put together by the agency’s Foreign Agricultural Service that show how TPP will boost the U.S. agriculture industry, supporting more American …
Ag Co-ops Set New Income Records
October is National Cooperative Month and USDA traditionally releases its annual report on cooperatives to coincide with the observance. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the nation’s farmer, rancher and fishery cooperatives posted record income and revenue in 2014, previewing a USDA report to be released later this month that shows cooperatives earned $6.5 billion in net income and …
Push for TPP Approval is On
President Obama met with agriculture and business leaders on Tuesday as the push to get Congress to approve the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) begins. “History of free trade agreements with reference to agriculture will tell us that agriculture is a winner every time,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a press conference about the agreement. “TPP is going to be …
#WomenInAg Infographic
Women are increasingly making their mark on agriculture, preparing for a better future and educating the next generation of women for the challenges of the future. To celebrate these contributions the USDA has crated an infographic to showcase the impact women are having state-by-state. The graphics are available to share on social media to help tell the story of women …
USDA Looks to Expand Export Opportunities in Africa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking to expand this country’s agriculture export opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa. This agency news release says a trade mission will go to Accra, Ghana, Nov. 17-20. “Two years ago, I led a mission to southern Africa to launch USDA’s Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Initiative, which aims to expand U.S. agricultural and commercial ties in …
AGree Report Looks at Local Foods
The demand for local foods continues. In an attempt to support the farmers, ranchers, retailers, hospitals and schools who are working to meet those demands, AGree has examined local food systems and released six recommendations. The Local Food: Revitalizing Community-based Food Systems report shares the views of stakeholders, provides information about common myths and gives an overall viewpoint of nationwide …
USDA Helps Returning Heroes find Opportunities in Ag
This morning Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, U.S. Department of Agriculture, sat down with a panel of veteran farmers and veteran training organizations for a live Google+ Hangout to discuss opportunities available through USDA for returning service members who are looking for long-term careers in farming, ranching and agriculture. Joining Deputy Sec. Harden for the discussion was Dave Paulk, owner of …