USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2021 — Next week, Americans will enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends. While the COVID-19 pandemic is still top-of-mind, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds us all that it’s also important to keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold senior positions in Washington, D.C. Shefali Mehta, PhD was named Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Dr. Mehta, an environmental and agricultural economist...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 – During today’s historic White House Tribal Leaders Summit, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several new initiatives that expand USDA’s commitment to serving Indian Country through equitable policies and programs. “USDA respects the unique nation-to-nation...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2021 – During today’s White House Tribal Nations Summit, President Biden announced that the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and the Interior have created the Tribal Homelands Initiative. This collaborative effort will improve federal stewardship of public lands, waters, and...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2021 — “Dr. Esteban has a deep understanding of USDA’s commitment to protect the health of the public by providing food safety. Having held several leadership roles in USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), he has a proven, and extensive, track record on this key...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2021 — Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement after the swearing in of Adrienne Wojciechowski to serve as Assistant Secretary of Congressional Relations at USDA. “We are fortunate to add Adrienne as a leader at USDA at this critical time as we...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 scholarship application cycle for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program and the 1994 Tribal Scholars Program. These partnerships with the 19 1890 land-grant universities and 35 tribal...

WASHINGTON, November 8, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the names of individuals who will hold key staff positions in Washington, D.C. Joaquin Altoro was appointed Administrator of the Rural Housing Service within Rural Development For nearly three decades, Altoro has been...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2021 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement following passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the U.S. Congress. The bill will now go to President Biden for his signature. “This is a transformative, historic investment for America as...

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND, Nov. 5, 2021 – At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) this week, United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack underscored the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s support for President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to combating climate...