USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that $285 million will go to 41 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico this year in support of local schools and roads as part of the Congressional two-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community...

NELSON COUNTY, Va., April 24, 2015 – Today, United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Arthur "Butch" Blazer joined representatives of The Conservation Fund, and the U.S. Forest Service to celebrate the protection of property within George Washington-Jefferson National Forests...

Fact Sheet Here is audio of Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Brian Deese, Senior Advisor to the President, holding a news conference in East Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Deese began by discussing the USDA initiative. EAST LANSING, Mich. April 23, 2015 -- In a speech today at Michigan State...

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced three grants designed to boost food security by minimizing livestock losses to insects and diseases. The awards to support research, education, and Extension efforts...

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today celebrated Earth Day by announcing support for projects to improve rural water and wastewater services, promote renewable energy, and promote the efficient use of energy resources. "I am proud to announce that USDA is providing...

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2015 – At a ribbon cutting ceremony today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the activation of USDA's first solar array project in the National Capital Region. The 1.6 Megawatt (MW) solar farm, located at the George Washington Carver Center (Carver Center) in...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2015 – Voluntary efforts by farmers, ranchers, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to improve air quality in California's San Joaquin Valley have received regulatory acknowledgement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency...

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2015 – USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for six rural electric infrastructure projects, including three in North Carolina that will use solar energy to generate electricity for rural communities. "These solar projects represent an ongoing commitment from rural...

RENO, Nev. April 21, 2015 – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the Bi-State population of greater sage-grouse does not require the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Secretary Jewell joined with USDA Under...

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2015 – The U.S. Forest Service is announcing new Youth Conservation Corps job opportunities on national forests throughout the country. Young people from across the United States are encouraged to apply for these jobs at a local forest or with a partner organization. Some...