USDA Press Release

USDA Revises Guidance on Date Labeling to Reduce Food Waste

Encourages Industry to use “Best if Used By” on Product Labels

December 14, 2016 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today issued updated information on food product labeling, including new guidance aimed at reducing food waste through encouraging food manufacturers and retailers that apply product dating to use a “Best if Used By” date label.

USDA Announces New Conservation Opportunities to Improve Water Quality, Restore Wildlife Habitat

December 9, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer farmers and ranchers more opportunities to participate in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The announcement includes new CRP practices to protect water quality and adds an additional 1.1 million acres targeted to benefit wildlife, pollinators and wetlands.

USDA Announces $331 Million Investment for Clean Water Infrastructure in Rural Communities

November 2, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $331 million in 85 projects that will improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural areas in 39 states and American Samoa. Community infrastructure investments are a key piece of USDA’s mission to support America’s rural communities, and these investments build on the $13.9 billion USDA has invested over the course of the Obama Administration to support 5,825 water and waste infrastructure projects that currently benefit 19.5 million rural residents.

USDA Invests Over $300 Million to Help Hundreds of Small Businesses Improve Energy Efficiency, Adopt Renewable Energy Systems

November 1, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $300 million to help hundreds of small businesses across the country save money on their energy costs by adopting renewable sources or implementing more efficient energy options. Vilsack made the announcement at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas, yesterday during a meeting with several local business owners who will make use of these loans and grants.

Vilsack Awards $45 Million in Grants to Help Agricultural Producers, Small Rural Businesses

October 31, 2016 – Funding will help beginning, veteran, and socially-disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to expand businesses. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is providing more than $45 million to help farmers, ranchers, small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide develop new product lines. USDA is investing in 325 projects through the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program.
 

Farm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Acreage Reporting Deadline

October 18, 2016 - In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Nacogdoches USDA Service Center to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline.  Reporting deadlines vary by crop.

The deadline to report pasture and hay acreage for 2017 is November 15, 2016.  Timely reporting of your grass acreages will prevent you from incurring late file fees.

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting date:

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - USDA Press Release