Divisions arise over federal food benefit programs and “climate-friendly” farming. The next farm spending bill, which is renewed every five years, is due this September. The legislation renews funding…
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USDA Selects Students for 2024 Future Leaders Program
Graduate and undergraduate students receive career development opportunities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the 20 winners of their Future Leaders in Agriculture program, offering graduate and…
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USDA Awards Grants for Urban Forestry Initiatives
The department is partnering with faith-based organizations to support tree planting and green space development in communities. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $1 million grant from the…
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USDA Initiates Grading Pilot Program for Beef Producers
The program is intended to facilitate the use of USDA’s grading and certification by small, independent processors. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced a pilot program this month,…
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USDA Appoints New Advisory Committee Members for Minority Farmers
The 15 members have been appointed to serve a two-year term. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appointed 15 new members to their Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers,…
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More Federal Agencies Block ChatGPT on Their Systems
The Departments of Energy and Veterans Affairs have joined those temporarily banning the AI tool. The chief information officer of the Department of Energy (DOE) has temporarily blocked…
Read MoreUSDA Urges Congress to Fund WIC Program
Cuts have been proposed in the 2024 draft budget. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently made a request of Congress, asking that legislators not cut $1 billion…
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USDA Highlights Farm Food Safety Program Assistance Deadline
Applications for eligible program expenses will be accepted through January 31. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) brought attention to the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops program…
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USDA Reports Decrease in Avian Flu
Less than half as many recorded cases in 2023 compared to 2022. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a recent drop in cases of avian flu among…
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USDA Seeks to Protect Old-Growth Trees
USDA secretary says forest management will conserve “these national treasures.” The Agriculture Department is proposing a plan intended to protect older trees that store carbon dioxide and help…
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