USDA, Latest Releases
USDA and EPA Release New Report on Honey Bee Health
Wed, 05/01/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, May 2, 2013-The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released a comprehensive scientific report on honey bee health. The report states that there are multiple factors playing a role in honey bee colony declines, including parasites and disease, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure.
USDA Announces Funding to Improve Rural Broadband Service in Nebraska and Montana
Tue, 04/30/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for two rural telecommunications companies that will expand broadband service in rural Nebraska and Montana. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Outlines USDA Efforts to Raise a Healthier Generation of Americans; Highlights Improvements to the National School Lunch Program
Tue, 04/30/2013 - 10:00pmNEW ORLEANS, May 1, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted improvements to school meals, a cornerstone of USDA’s efforts to create a generational change to improve childhood nutrition. The Secretary also discussed efforts to create new partnerships with chefs around the country to positively impact the eating habits of children.
Value-Added Producer Grants Support Local Producers, Biobased Initiatives
Tue, 04/30/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 110 grants to agricultural producers and rural businesses that will help create jobs and develop new products. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty.
Conservation Stewardship Program Applications Due by May 31
Tue, 04/30/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) will provide nearly $175 million in funding for up to 12.6 million additional acres of enrollment this year.
G-8 International Conference on Open Data for Agriculture April 29-30, 2013 International Finance Corporation Washington, D.C.
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 10:00pmFollowing the commitment of the L'Aquila Summit, in 2012 leaders of the G-8 engaged with African partners to foster global food security. In this framework, G-8 members have agreed on the goals of the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition G-8 initiative. Their goal is to increase public investment in agriculture, accelerate new investments and greater collaboration in agricultural research. This G-8 activity complements the ongoing activities of the Committee on World Food Security and other international organizations.
G-8 International Conference on Open Data for Agriculture April 29-30, 2013 International Finance Corporation Washington, D.C
Mon, 04/29/2013 - 10:00pmFollowing the commitment of the L’Aquila Summit, in 2012 leaders of the G-8 engaged with African partners to foster global food security. In this framework, G-8 members have agreed on the goals of the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition G-8 initiative.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding for Projects to Boost Rural Electric Grid Efficiency and Reliability
Sun, 04/28/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for four rural electric projects in eight states to provide reliable, affordable electricity for rural residents. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty.
G-8 Open Data for Agriculture Conference Aims to Help Feed a Growing Population and Fulfill New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition Commitment
Sun, 04/28/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, along with Bill Gates, and U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park, today kicked off a two-day international open data conference, saying that data “is among the most important commodities in agriculture” and sharing it openly increases its value. conference in Washington on Monday. G-8 leaders will meet to discuss the challenges and develop policies for online global platforms to share data from publicly funded agricultural research. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will head the United States government delegation and USDA’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Catherine Woteki, will act as alternate head of delegation and provide scientific guidance.
G-8 Ag Leaders Set to Meet and Open Data to the World
Wed, 04/24/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 25, 2013 -- With a goal of uniting scientific activities across borders to feed the world, agricultural leaders from the G-8 countries will begin a two-day conference in Washington on Monday. G-8 leaders will meet to discuss the challenges and develop policies for online global platforms to share data from publicly funded agricultural research. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will head the United States government delegation and USDA’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Catherine Woteki, will act as alternate head of delegation and provide scientific guidance.
USDA and Dairy Producers Renew Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Increase Sustainability of Dairy Production
Tue, 04/23/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 24, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Vilsack today renewed a historic agreement with U.S. dairy producers to accelerate the adoption of innovative waste-to-energy projects and energy efficiency improvements on U.S. dairy farms, both of which help producers diversify revenues and reduce utility expenses on their operations.. The pact extends a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2009.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Disaster Assistance to Producers and Communities in 12 States Affected by Superstorm Sandy
Sun, 04/21/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 22, 2013—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an important package of disaster assistance valued at $209 million to help farmers, land owners and communities recover from the effects of Superstorm Sandy.
USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Promoting Water Quality Projects in 32 States
Sun, 04/21/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 – As part of USDA’s Earth Day celebration, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced support for projects that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment across the country. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy.
Agriculture Secretary Visits San Diego Summer Meals Site; Calls on Communities to Help Ensure Children Have Access to Healthy Food Year Round
Wed, 04/17/2013 - 10:00pmSAN DIEGO, April 18, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted the problem of increased childhood hunger during months when school is not in session. At an event at Colina Del Sol Recreation Center, he called on communities across the country to partner with USDA’s Summer Food Service Program to ensure that no child goes hungry when school is out. Vilsack reiterated the vital role of partners in reaching eligible children and their families and challenged them to help USDA serve 5 million more meals this summer.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Honor Efforts of Urban Forestry Partners
Tue, 04/16/2013 - 10:00pmLOS ANGELES, April 17, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa today at an event celebrating the leadership and contributions of key partners in the mayor’s “Million Trees L.A.” initiative. Since Villaraigosa launched the initiative in 2006, more than 400,000 trees have been planted throughout Los Angeles.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Seeks Nominations for Forestry Research Advisory Council
Tue, 04/16/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Transportation Secretary LaHood Renew Agreement to Promote Renewable Fuels in the Aviation Industry
Sun, 04/14/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is extending for five years its agreement to work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other partners to help develop a viable biofuel for the aviation industry.
USDA Proposes Simplified Application Process for Renewable Energy Funding
Sun, 04/14/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a series of changes to make it easier for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to apply for renewable energy and energy efficiency funding.
USDA Calls on Communities to Help Fill the Summer Meal Gap; Ensure Children Have Access to Healthy Food Year Round
Thu, 04/11/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 12, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today called on communities across the country to partner with USDA’s summer meals program to ensure that no child goes hungry when school is out. During a roundtable with Josh Wachs, Chief Strategy Officer for Share Our Strength, Kathy Underhill, Executive Director of Hunger Free Colorado, and Harriett Phillips, Liaison to the Arkansas No Kid Hungry Campaign for Governor Mike Beebe. Vilsack reiterated the vital role of partners in reaching eligible children and their families and challenged them to help USDA serve 5 million more meals this summer.
USDA Announces Funding to Improve Electric Service to Customers in 13 States
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 10:00pmWASHINGTON, April 10, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for projects to improve electric service in rural areas across 13 states. USDA remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. Today’s announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy. USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Doug O’Brien made today’s announcement on Vilsack’s behalf.
