USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2015 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today awarded more than $4.5 million to 49 American veterinarians to help repay a portion of their veterinary school loans in return for serving in areas lacking sufficient veterinary resources. The awards, made through the Veterinary...

WASHINGTON, November 6, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed members of the USDA Minority Farmers Advisory Committee (MFAC). The committee provides farmer, rancher, industry and public perspectives on USDA strategies, policies and programs that impact minority farmers and ranchers...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2015 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today released the following statement regarding the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. "The release of the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership is an important step forward in the process to make this landmark agreement...

WASHINGTON, November 5, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced two new inductees, Cesar Chavez and Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton, into the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hall of Heroes. Established in September 2000, the Hall of Heroes recognizes those who have had a lasting impact on...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest $30 million this year in 33 new projects and 40 existing projects to improve water quality in high priority watersheds the Mississippi River Basin. These...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2015 – USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced loans and grants for 141 projects to build and improve water and wastewater infrastructure in rural communities across the nation. "Many rural communities need to upgrade and repair their water and wastewater systems, but often...

LOUISVILLE, October 29, 2015—Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced a commitment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years within USDA programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. Deputy Secretary...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2015 – Today Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of the nation's first Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Employment and Training (E&T) Center of Excellence. The Center of Excellence will build on the Administration's commitment to job-driven...

KISSIMMEE, Fla., Oct. 28, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with 21 states through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to nearly double the number of fueling pumps nationwide that supply renewable fuels to...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is investing $3.7 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes. The funds are being awarded through the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program in 46 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto...