USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of L’Tonya Davis as its first permanent Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO). The CDIO will lead USDA in its ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)...

Washington, March 1, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the first steps in its process for providing financial assistance to farmers, ranchers or forest landowners who have previously suffered discrimination with respect to USDA farm lending programs. In addition, USDA...

WASHINGTON, February 28, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Equity Commission presented its 2023 Interim Report to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today. Since its launch in February 2022, the USDA Equity Commission, which is comprised of independent members from diverse backgrounds...

WASHINGTON, February 24, 2023 — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that nearly $10 million is being invested in forest nursery and native seed partnerships, thanks to funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Of the total funding, $4.5 million is being invested...

HARRISONBURG, Va., Feb. 21, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $59 million across the country (PDF, 153 KB) to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest more than $48.6 million this year through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership for projects that mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, restore forest ecosystems, and ultimately contribute to...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today presented the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) highest honor to 40 teams of distinguished employees who made the most significant accomplishments that support USDA’s mission, strategic goals, objectives and priorities...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the Department is investing $63 million to bring high-speed internet access to people living and working in rural areas in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Mississippi. Today’s investments...

WASHINGTON, February 15, 2023 – “The nomination of Xochitl Torres Small to serve as Deputy Secretary reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to rural prosperity, advancing equity, and making USDA the best place to work. As Under Secretary for Rural Development, Torres Small has been an...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is providing $262 million to improve access to jobs, health care and infrastructure for people in historically underserved communities across the Rural...