USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2016 – Leaders from seven state departments of agriculture and 23 U.S. agribusinesses and organizations will accompany Deputy Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services Alexis Taylor on a trade mission to Hong Kong and Shanghai Sept. 7 to Sept. 15 to extend USDA's...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2016 – USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced grants to preserve and repair affordable housing for very-low- and low-income families living in rural areas. "Housing Preservation Grants are an excellent source of funding to help folks keep up a safe...

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 31, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced an initiative that will use USDA's rural development resources to help fill the need for transitional housing for people recovering from opioid and other substance use disorders. In January, President Obama tasked Vilsack...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement today on the Farm Income and Financial Forecasts for 2015 and 2016, released by USDA's Economic Research Service. "Today's farm income forecast underscores the unique ability of American farmers and ranchers...

GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 29, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced $18.9 million in renewal awards to build or improve agricultural and food science research facilities and equipment at historically black Land-Grant...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement on the first forecast for U.S. agricultural exports for fiscal year 2017 and a revised forecast for fiscal year 2016. Both forecasts indicate U.S. agricultural exports have begun to rally and will...

Background Following the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in December 2003, U.S. beef and beef product exports fell. Since 2003, USDA has led a multi-agency, full-court press, dedicating significant resources to restore foreign market access for U.S. beef. As a result, U...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase approximately 11 million pounds of cheese from private inventories to assist food banks and pantries across the nation, while reducing a cheese surplus that is at its highest level in 30 years...

AMES, Iowa, Aug. 17, 2016 – In a meeting with new and beginning farmers at Iowa State University today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new investment of $17.8 million for 37 projects to help educate, mentor, and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers. The...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the severe storms and flooding in Louisiana that USDA has several programs that provide assistance before, during and after disasters. USDA staff in regional...