USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2016 - The White House Rural Council (WHRC), today announced a workshop series to provide targeted assistance for rural small businesses working to grow demand through international sales. The announcement was made by WHRC Chair Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce...

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the investment of more than $9 million in loans and grants to support job growth and economic development in 12 states. The funding is being provided through USDA's Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program...

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for 821 projects across the nation that will help rural small businesses and agricultural producers reduce energy usage and costs in their operations. The funding is available through the Rural Energy for America...

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today $26 million to help provide safe and sanitary housing for farmworkers in nine affordable rental communities in four states. The funding will support 439 rental units in California, Florida, Kansas and Texas...

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today accepted the Federal Agency of the Year award from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and delivered remarks at the organization's 87th Annual National Convention. This award recognizes USDA's commitment to civil...

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2016—The U.S. Departments of Defense (DoD), Agriculture and the Interior today announced the addition of three military bases to the Sentinel Landscape Partnership, a conservation effort begun in 2013 to improve military readiness, protect at-risk and endangered species, enhance...

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13, 2016, as "National Farmers Market Week." This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies...

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is awarding $44.6 million through its Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership to support 10 wetland enhancement projects on private and tribal agricultural lands in 12 States. Recipients for each project are...

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced new updates to its popular FoodKeeper application, which will increase the app's food safety features while empowering more consumers help reduce food waste in the U.S. The app has been updated to include...

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2016 – Over the past seven years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has instituted some of the most significant updates to our country's food safety system since the 1950s, leading to a 12 percent drop in foodborne illness...