News from April 2023


NIFA Leadership Visits Louisiana Land-grant Universities

Organizers said this year’s symposium will help set the direction for the center’s goals and objectives.


New York GusNIP Project Leading Way

Double Up Food Bucks NY, a GusNIP funded project, provides SNAP recipients with a $1 for $1 match, up to $20 per day, that can be used to purchase fresh local produce.


Using Drones in Agriculture and Natural Resources

Since 2016, Land-grant University researchers and educators in 20 states have worked to increase the adoption of drones for remote sensing and precise management of agriculture and natural resources through a multistate project.


Engaging Community Volunteers Helps Reduce Food Insecurity in Montana

Growing Together Montana provided mini-grants of up to $2,000 to Master Gardeners and communities to start, convert or maintain gardens for the purpose of donating fruits and vegetables to food pantries or other organizations.


NIFA-Funded Researchers Aim to Develop Climate-Resilient Rice

The project is one of seven recently announced by NIFA and is funded by NIFA’s Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) program, which made a total investment of $70 million in sustainable agricultural projects that integrate research, education and Extension efforts.


USDA Invests Over $46M in Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an investment of more than $46 million in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which has offered farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs that have brought new ideas to farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate since 1988.


USDA Takes Steps to Support Food Sovereignty with the Narragansett Indian Tribe

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has signed a cooperative agreement with the Narragansett Indian Tribe under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA).


USDA Cites Island Fresh De Puerto Rico Inc. in Puerto Rico for PACA Violations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Island Fresh De Puerto Rico Inc. (IFPR), Bayamon, Puerto Rico, for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).


USDA Announces Funding Availability to Expand Meat and Poultry Processing Options for Underserved Producers and Tribal Communities

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of up to $125 million through two new grant programs that will create more options for meat and poultry farmers by investing in independent, local meat and poultry processing projects that increase competition and enhance the resiliency of the food supply chain.


USDA Seeks Nominees for Popcorn Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for the Popcorn Board to fill two processor board seats whose terms will begin Jan. 1, 2024. Nominations are due to the board by May 1, 2023.


USDA Poultry Purchase Program Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase poultry products for the National School Lunch Program and other Federal food nutrition assistance programs.


USDA Meat and Fish Purchase Program Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase meat and fish products for the National School Lunch Program and other Federal food nutrition assistance programs. Offers will be solicited in the following forms:


USDA Announces National Pork Board Appointments

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of five members to the National Pork Board.


USDA-ARS Names Two Scientists To Hall of Fame

News Release: WASHINGTON, April 19, 2023-The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will induct two scientists into its Science Hall of Fame for scientific achievements in developing innovative biobased products and leveraging genomic tools to improve livestock health and productivity.


Agriculture Department discusses Directive Publication Notice on April 19

The US Agriculture Department published a two page notice on April 19, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.


USDA Establishes Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages of Scotch and Native Spearmint Oil for the 2023-2024 Marketing Year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing a final rule to establish the salable quantities of Scotch and Native spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and parts of Nevada and Utah that handlers may purchase from producers, or handle on their behalf, during the 2023-2024 marketing year.


USDA Under Secretary Taylor to Lead Netherlands Trade Mission

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor will lead USDA’s first-ever regional agribusiness trade mission to the Netherlands between April 17-20.


Export Sales to China

Private exporters reported sales of 327,000 metric tons of corn for delivery to China.


USDA Invests Over $46M in Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education

News Release: WASHINGTON, April 19, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today an investment of more than $46 million in the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which has funded farmer-driven grants and grassroots education programs resulting in climate-smart solutions for farms and ranches in every state and island protectorate since 1988.


Export Sales to China

Private exporters reported sales of 382,000 metric tons of corn for delivery to China.