USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2019 – Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding 58 grants for projects in 17 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (PDF, 146 KB) to reduce energy costs for farmers, ag...

(June 10, 2019 - Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on disaster and trade-related assistance: “Whether it’s because of natural disasters or unfair retaliatory tariffs, farmers across the country are facing significant challenges and tough...

(Washington, D.C., June 6, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today commended President Trump’s signing of the disaster relief bill that will provide $19 billion in assistance to states and territories hit by flooding, hurricanes, wildfires and other natural disasters. “Congress...

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2019 – Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced the names of 47 rural communities and regions that will receive technical assistance (PDF, 141 KB) to help create and implement long-term economic development plans. “USDA and its partners...

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2019 – Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting USDA’s ongoing role to help residents of America’s small towns and cities purchase homes in rural areas. “Homeownership provides a strong...

(Washington, D.C., May 31, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule on E-15: “I appreciate President Trump’s steadfast support for our patriotic farmers and for his commitment to expand the sale...

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2019 – Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is providing $858 million in loans to upgrade rural electric systems in 17 states (PDF, 111 KB). The funding includes $64 million to finance smart grid technologies that improve...

He oversees nation’s farm policy and he has bone to pick with UGA trade deal study By Secretary Sonny Perdue The Macon Telegraph and the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer May 26, 2019 … The University of Georgia recently published a study claiming the new United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement would cost some...

FOX Business – Mornings with Maria : “Hasn't been a president that has defended agriculture the way Trump has: Agriculture Secretary” 5.23.16 CNN – The Lead with Jake Tapper : “President Trump has committed $16 billion to get farmers through this time until we can get normal, fair, reciprocal trade...

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the selection of 18 faculty and staff from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across the nation as 2019 E. Kika De La Garza Fellows. This summer fellowship program offers first-hand experiences in policymaking and...