News from April 2023


APHIS Adds Douglas County, Wisconsin to the Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar) Quarantine Area

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is adding Douglas County in Wisconsin to the list of quarantine areas for spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth1).


USDA Proposes Changes to Cut Flowers Regulations and Removal of Chrysanthemum White Rust-related Provisions

The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service proposes to adopt a notice-based process for changes to the import requirements for cut flowers.


APHIS Seeks Comments on Draft Pest Risk Analyses for Deregulation of Chrysanthemum White Rust and the Importation of Chrysanthemum Plants for Planting

We are advising the public that we are proposing to deregulate Chrysanthemum White Rust (CWR) based on an economic evaluation (EE) prepared by APHIS.


Constituent Update - April 14, 2023

On May 16, 2023, the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF) will be holding a hybrid (in-person in Washington, D.C. and virtual) public meeting to provide an update on the Cyclospora cayetanensis in produce and Cronobacter spp. in powdered infant formula charges.


March Brought Record Snowpack Accumulation to Many Colorado Basins

The basins of Western Colorado continued to benefit from a series of storms throughout the month of March.


NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced details around its $75 million investment in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production.


April is a Time to Celebrate Natural Resource Conservation History

A maverick and visionary, Bennett knew that productive soils would help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners protect their livelihoods. Protecting soil and water resources served as the foundational mission of the agency he led for 16 years.


USDA-RUS grant application closes on June 20

Broadband Technical Assistance grant opened on April 19.


Passion for the Land Becomes a Way of Life

Story and Photos compiled by Adele Swearingen, Public Affairs Specialist, Bryan, TX


Lake Badger Flood Damage and Erosion Prevention Project Announces Application Date

The Flood Damage Repair and Erosion Prevention Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) Project in the Lake Badger Watershed will soon be entering its final year in Kingsbury County, South Dakota.


USDA-RHS offers new grant application process starting April 19

Rural Housing Preservation Grant grant opened on April 19.


Colorado State University (CSU) Among USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Award Recipients

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $40 million this year for 31 new projects through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, including the Innovative Technologies to Reduce Beef Industry Ghg Emissions project led by Colorado State University (CSU). CIG is one of the ways USDA brings together partners to develop innovative approaches to climate-smart agriculture.


USDA Continues to Modernize, Innovate WIC Program to Improve Maternal, Child Health

Release: Washington -The Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service is announcing a series of grant opportunities funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 aimed at innovating and modernizing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC. These projects...



NRCS Employee Talks Compost in Syracuse

The 9th annual New York State Organics Summit was held in Syracuse, NY from April 3-5. This year's event had a specific focus on wasted food and food scraps.


Join us for Oregon USDA’s Beginning Farmer Ranchers: In The Know virtual events

Are you new to farming or ranching, thinking about becoming a producer or serve this audience in your work? You’re invited to Oregon USDA’s Beginning Farmer Ranchers:



A Family’s Forest: Managing for White Oak

The white oak tree, found primarily in southeastern Ohio, is a versatile tree species sought after by humans and wildlife alike. Barrels made from its wood lends hints of caramel and vanilla to bourbon’s signature flavor.


Get out and garden for National Garden Month

As spring arrives, many people turn their attention to their gardens. April is National Garden Month, a time to celebrate the joys of gardening and the many benefits it provides.


$60,000 available to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Improve Watershed Health and Restore Wildlife Habitat in Santa Rosa-Paradise Landscape in Humboldt County, Nevada

The Nevada Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest are invensting almost $60,000 this year in the Santa Rosa-Paradise Priority Landscape Restoration Project through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership.