USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than 23,000 of the nation's dairy operations – over half of all dairy farms in America – have enrolled in the new safety-net program created by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Margin...

WASHINGTON, January 12, 2015– The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at most of its day-use recreation sites five times in 2015, beginning with Jan.19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. "Our fee-free days touch on every season and serve as an enticement to new and repeat visitors to come out...

WASHINGTON – Jan. 12, 2105 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced the availability of more than $18 million in funding to help educate, mentor and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers. This support is available through the...

WASHINGTON, January 9, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today made the following statement on the retirement of Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Dr. Janey Thornton: "Janey has worked with great knowledge and passion. She has throughout her distinguished career...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today begins its celebration of the International Year of Soils to highlight the importance of healthy soils for food security, ecosystem functions and resilient farms and ranches. "Healthy soil is the foundation that ensures...

During the week of December 14, 2014, USDA confirmed two findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Washington State and in a small backyard poultry flock in Oregon. We reported these findings to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) as required. As a result of the findings...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2014 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of members to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) for the 2014-2016 term. Established in 1971, the 19-member NACMPI meets on food safety concerns and advises the...

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The PDP summary confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2014 — The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5 avian influenza in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. Two separate virus strains were identified: HPAI H5N2...

WASHINGTON, December 17, 2014 - "Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people. I have no doubt that agriculture will continue to play that powerful role as we expand our relationship with the Cuban people in the...