USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30, 2015—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement on Rural America At A Glance, 2015 Edition, an annual report by USDA's Economic Research Service: "Today's report reflects a rural America on the road to recovery. Rural employment has increased; rural...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2015—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today released the following statement on the passing of Dr. D.D. "Dick" Hardee, the research entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service who led the team that developed the boll weevil...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2015 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today made the following statement: "As one growing season comes to an end and another lies on the horizon, USDA continues to seek out new and innovative ways to expand opportunity for America's farming families and support...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded $2 million in grants to support research on nutrition education and obesity prevention for disadvantaged children and families at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2015 – A bipartisan group of former U.S. Agriculture Secretaries, today issued an open letter urging Congress to pass the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). The former secretaries note that opening new markets for exports is critical for farmers and rural communities. Agricultural...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2015 – USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the awarding of $3 million for 19 grants to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged business groups in rural areas. "This funding will provide technical assistance to help socially disadvantaged businesses succeed...

Secretary Vilsack arrives in China this weekend. Over the past decade, the United States' agricultural exports to China have risen sharply, propelling China into its position as the fastest-growing and highest-value export destination for U.S. farm and food products. In 2011, China surpassed Canada...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2015 – Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the availability of $350 million to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the nation. The funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $23.4 million in 75 projects across 31 states and the Western Pacific to expand distance learning and telemedicine opportunities in rural areas. "Rural communities often lack access to specialized...

Secretary Vilsack arrived in Japan today to meet with agricultural counterparts. The United States recently concluded negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with Japan and 10 other nations. Countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership currently account for up to 42 percent of all U.S...