News from April 2023


Rutherford Remarks at FY24 Budget Hearing for Customs & Border Protection​​​​​​​ (As Prepared)

The work agents and officers of U.S. Customs and Border Protection do every day has immense importance to both our national and economic security.


Granger Rules Committee Remarks on Limit, Save, Grow Act

Chairman Cole and Ranking Member McGovern, for allowing me to testify on the Limit, Save, Grow Act.


Rogers Remarks At FY24 Budget Hearing For The Department of Commerce (As Prepared)

The Subcommittee will come to order. Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare a recess at any time.


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.


Ahead of Earth Day, USDA Announces $18.3 Million to Protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and Delaware River Basin

Ahead of Earth Day, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small joined Sen.


APHIS Seeks Public Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Old World Bollworm in Chicago

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is making available to the public a draft environmental assessment (EA) regarding options for actions it can take to eradicate a low-level reproducing population of Old World bollworm (OWB, Helicoverpa armigera) in the immediate vicinity of Chicago O’Hare International Airport (O’Hare).


USDA Announces $2.29 Million in Farm Bill Funding to Protect Animal Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding $2.29 million through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) Farm Bill program to advance APHIS’ animal health preparedness.


APHIS Amends Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica) Regulated Areas in Maricopa County in Arizona

Effective immediately, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is amending the Karnal bunt regulated areas in Maricopa County, Arizona.


APHIS Releases New Strategic Plan for 2023-2027

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a new 5-year strategic plan.


USDA Proposes Declaring Salmonella an Adulterant in Breaded Stuffed Raw Chicken Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released today a proposed determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products when they exceed a very low level of Salmonella contamination.


"No Objection Letter" Not Required for Use of Cloth Sampling Procedure for STEC Testing

FSIS would like to clarify that establishments wishing to adopt the cloth sampling method (i.e., manual sampling device or continuous sampling device) for Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)


2023 "Growing Together" Black Farmer Conference to be Held April 21

Conservation partners in California are hosting the second annual USDA “Growing Together” Black and Urban Farmers Conference, that will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, in Fresno, Calif. This conference is the only one of its kind in California.


NRCS Announces May 28 Deadline for Conservation Agreement Proposals

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing a funding opportunity for agreements that address Iowa-specific conservation issues.


Jasper Area CIS Project Announced

The Jasper Area Conservation Implementation Strategy (CIS) project will soon be underway in Custer County, South Dakota, serving the community and improving land quality.


Indiana Earth Team Volunteers Help NRCS Accomplish its Mission

During National Volunteer Week, April 16-22, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) would like to thank its Earth Team volunteers for their dedicated efforts to conservation.


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

Up to $125 million through two grant programs will increase choices for producers, including new capacity for indigenous meat processing to support tribal food systems


USDA Announces Approval of D-SNAP for Arkansas Disaster Areas

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that low-income Arkansas residents in three counties (Cross, Lonoke and Pulaski), recovering from the impacts of tornadoes and severe storms beginning March 31, 2023, could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).



School Breakfast: A Jump Start to a Great Day

How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of your day! School breakfast programs are critical in building a healthier future for America’s children.


NRCS Celebrates Volunteer Week 2023

In honor of National Volunteer Week, the Natural Resources Conservation Service recognizes Florida Earth Team volunteer, Linda Johnson. She has volunteered at the NRCS Crestview Field Office for over 30 years!