USDA Press Releases

RIO PIEDRAS, P.R., June 2, 2016 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced several measures to strengthen rural opportunity in Puerto Rico, including that the Eastern Region of Puerto Rico has been selected as a federal Promise Zone. Vilsack made the announcement at the conclusion of a...

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting USDA's ongoing role to help people buy homes in rural areas. "Owning a home helps promote stable communities and is one of the best ways American families can build wealth,"...

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today awarded more than $14.5 million in grants to support research into plant health, production and resilience. These grants were made through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational program, authorized...

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that farmers and ranchers filing crop acreage reports with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and participating insurance providers approved by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) now can provide the common information from...

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a one-time, 30-day extension to the June 1 deadline for recording farm organization structures related to Actively Engaged in Farming determinations. This date is used to determine the level of interest an individual holds...

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $8.8 million to boost the production of advanced biofuels and sustain jobs at renewable energy facilities in 39 states. USDA continues to lead the way in promotion...

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2016 - American farmers and ranchers continue to compete and win in foreign markets. Even in today's environment of lower commodity prices, abundant global supplies and a strong U.S. dollar, exports remain a key pillar supporting U.S. agriculture and rural communities. Today's...

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will make his first official visit to Puerto Rico where he will highlight the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ongoing commitment to addressing food security and rural opportunity in the Commonwealth. While in Puerto Rico, Secretary...

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2016 - Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse will lead a team of U.S. ethanol industry leaders on a mission to Mexico May 24 to May 25, to explore opportunities to expand both the United States' and Mexico's renewable energy sectors. "Our goal is to partner with...

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding more than $4 million in grants to 23 organizations to support rural economic development projects. Secretary Vilsack also announced that USDA is seeking...