November 24, 2020 – This week, Americans will enjoy a delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day with family and friends – either in person or virtually. Taking the necessary steps toward safe food handling and sanitation will help protect you and your loved ones this year. To make sure your Thanksgiving meal is prepared safely, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering food safety advice to reduce foodborne illness, including on Thanksgiving Day.
November 5, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that in the first month of the application period, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) approved more than $7 billion in payments to producers in the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. CFAP 2 provides agricultural producers with financial assistance to help absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 31, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is reminding the public to think about health and safety in the kitchen for National Food Safety Education Month this September. Consumers are encouraged to practice behaviors that will continue to help keep them and their loved ones safe from foodborne illness.
August 25, 2020 - Effective today, multiple recreation sites on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas have been closed for the health and safety of visitors and staff as Hurricane Laura approaches the Gulf Coast.
"The safety of our visitors and our employees is paramount," said Eddie Taylor, Forest Supervisor, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. "We are preparing our recreation sites for the storm and will be conducting damage assessments after the storm passes and when it is safe.
August 19, 2020 – A new school year is approaching and with it, changes to your usual routine.
“Parents are juggling many decisions as students may be returning to school for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and others may still be distance learning,” said Dr. Mindy Brashears, Under Secretary for Food Safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “You don’t want to add foodborne illness – commonly called food poisoning – to your list of concerns, so take time to plan and prepare your children’s lunch meals safely.”
July 1, 2020 – Many Americans will be celebrating the Fourth of July outdoors this year a little differently, with celebrations at home, including backyard barbecues and picnics perhaps with only your household. No matter how you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) encourages you to make food safety and other public health recommendations a part of your celebration.
Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only
March 23, 2020 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
January 30, 2020 — According to the National Chicken Council, Americans will consume more than 1.4 billion chicken wings this Super Bowl Sunday. Add to that countless slices of pizza and other munchies, and you’ll have a recipe for a winning Super Bowl party. But if you’re not careful, you could be putting your guests at risk for foodborne illness. Follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) game plan to avoid getting sick this Super Bowl Sunday.
January 30, 2020 Washington – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup to enroll by February 28, 2020. This signup is available to farmers and private landowners who are either enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for another 10- to 15-year term.