News from April 2023


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

Release: WASHINGTON,April 25, 2023 The U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released today a proposed determination to declareSalmonellaan adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products when they exceed a very low level ofSalmonellacontamination.This announcement is a significant first step that builds on FSISproposed regulatory framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products, released in October 2022.


Grow a Better Future with the Organic Transition Initiative

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Jersey is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program's (EQIP) organic management standard funded through the agency's Organic Transition Initiative (OTI).


Invest in Our Planet This Earth Day

I would like to offer each of you a challenge. Stop what you are doing for just a couple minutes and go outside onto a patch of grass or other natural space.


Soil Health Takes Center Stage

Producers in the Texoma area recently gathered in Wichita Falls for a Soil Health Workshop focused on increasing biological wealth with ecological principles of soil health.


Earth Team Volunteers Help Minnesota NRCS Accomplish its Mission

Since 1985, Earth Team volunteers have provided a valued source of talent to NRCS. These dedicated volunteers work with conservation professionals on private lands to improve soil quality, conserve water, improve air quality and enhance wildlife habitat.


NRCS Announces Funding Available for Conservation Innovation Grants in the Pacific Islands Area

USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.


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. During this time 34 SNOTEL sites in the state received the highest or second highest March snowpack accumulation amounts on record.


Ways to Get Involved with the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

By HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, USDA Food and Nutrition Service


Putting the CO in Co-located Services

By Shavana Howard, Senior Advisor, Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services


Helping Reduce Methane Emissions by Solving a Sticky Problem for U.S. Produce Exporters

We see them every time we purchase fresh fruits and vegetables: price look up (PLU) labels.


Public Invited to Join Pacific Islands Area State Technical Advisory Committee Meeting May 9, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invites the public to call-in for the Pacific Islands Area (PIA) State Technical Advisory Committee meeting on May 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. HST.


NRCS California Earth Team

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring California’s Earth Team volunteers and celebrating their many contributions to natural resource protection during National Volunteer Week, April 16-22.


Partner Spotlight: Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture

A sustainable and just local food system for Native Americans is the goal of an Arizona nonprofit.


Earth Team Award-Winner Chase Musser Taking Patient Approach to Career in Agriculture

Farming and conservation are two career paths favored by members of the Musser family of Southwest Virginia.


USDA NRCS Awards Zenger Farm with Equity Agreement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded Portland’s Zenger Farm with an equity agreement.


Earth Team Award-Winner Chase Musser Taking Patient Approach to Career in Agriculture

Farming and conservation are two career paths favored by members of the Musser family of Southwest Virginia.


Notice published on April 26 by Agriculture Department

The US Agriculture Department published an eight page notice on April 26, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.


Opening Statement: “Producer Perspectives on the 2023 Farm Bill”

Release: "The hearing of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit subcommittee will come to order. Over the course of today, Members of the subcommittee will hear testimony from producer leaders of 10 national commodity organizations. These witnesses represent a broad segment of American agriculture and know first-hand the challenges facing farmers and rural America.


USDA-FNS1 grant application closes on June 28

FY23 WIC Enrollment via State-Level Referral Data Matching with SNAP and Medicaid grant opened on April 27.


Notice of Funding Opportunity for Rural Cooperative Development Grants for Fiscal Year 2023 discussed on April 26 by Agriculture Department

The US Agriculture Department published a nine page notice on April 26, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.