News from June 2023


USDA-FNS1 grant application closes on Aug. 21

FY23 Review of Produce Safety University grant opened on June 22.



USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports by July 17, Use New Online Map Features on Farmers.gov

News Release: Washington - Agricultural producers who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) office before the applicable deadline, which for many places and crops is July 17. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) also reminds producers with login access to farmers.gov of several features that can help expedite acreage reporting, such as the ability to view, print and label maps.


U.S. Department of Agriculture, NASA Advance Exploration, Science

News Release: WASHINGTON, June 21, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) signed a memorandum of understanding today strengthening the collaboration between the two agencies, including efforts to improve agricultural and Earth science research, technology, and agricultural management, and the application of science data and models to agricultural decision making.


California Firm Posts $100,000 Employment Bond

News Release: Washington - Westlake Distributors LLC, operating out of Downey, Calif., has posted a $100,000 surety bond to employ Christopher Martin, as required by the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).


Agriculture Department discusses Notice of a Request for Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection on June 21

The US Agriculture Department published a two page notice on June 21, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.


USDA-FNS1 offers new grant application process starting June 22

FY23 School Foodservice Workforce grant opened on June 22.


Opening Statement: "Closing the Digital Divide in Rural America"

Release: "Throughout this Congress, the House Committee on Agriculture has had countless discussions on ways we can empower our farm families and build a robust rural economy. A pillar of these discussions is providing rural communities with access to high-speed, affordable, and reliable broadband internet connectivity.


Varroa Mites and Deformed Wing Virus Make Honeybees More Susceptible to Insecticides

News Release: Controlling for Varroa mites, the parasitic mites that feed on honey bees and serve as vectors for viral diseases like deformed wing virus (DWV), can help with improving honeybee populations and make bees less susceptible to harmful insecticides, according to a recent study published in Environmental Pollution.


Statement of Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) on EPA New Renewable Fuel Standard Final Rule

News Release: WASHINGTON - Chairwoman Stabenow released the following statement on the Biden Administration’s biofuels announcement...


Biden-Harris Administration Announces Intended Investment of Approximately $300 Million in 50 Projects Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access for Underserved Producers

News Release: WASHINGTON, June 22, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its selection of 50 projects for potential award, totaling approximately $300 million. These innovative projects will help improve access to land, capital, and markets for underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. ...


Biden-Harris Administration Announces Intended Investment of Approximately $300 Million in 50 Projects Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access for Underserved Producers

News Release: Washington - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its selection of 50 projects for potential award, totaling approximately $300 million. These innovative projects will help improve access to land, capital, and markets for underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. The...



USDA Provides Significant Support for American Producers, School Meal Providers and Emergency Food Operations

Release: WASHINGTON, June 23, 2023 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the Biden-Harris Administration is providing $2.7 billion to support American farmers, students who participate in school meal programs, and emergency food operations.


Agriculture Department discusses Preserving Trust Benefits Under the Packers and Stockyards Act on June 23

The US Agriculture Department published a nine page rule on June 23, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.


USDA Accepting Applications for Chile Agribusiness Trade Mission

News Release: Private exporters reported the following sales activity.


U.S. Exporters Build New Partnerships During Ag Trade Mission to Japan

Release: Private exporters reported the following sales activity.


Agency Information Collection Activities: WIC Participant and Program Characteristics 2024 & 2026 Study discussed on June 23 by Agriculture Department

The US Agriculture Department published an eight page notice on June 23, according to the U.S. Government Publishing Office.


Cultivating Health, Nutrition & Innovation in the Land of Enchantment

Release: By JoAnn Makinano, Public Affairs Specialist, Southwest Region Food and Nutrition Service.