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WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2013 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a public-private partnership to rapidly advance the development of the first U.S. commercial facility producing cellulosic nanomaterial, a wood fiber broken down to the nanoscale. The partnership...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2013 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today awarded five grants to support research, education and Extension programs that will improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers. "The organic...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus today announced the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Navy's joint "Farm-to-Fleet" venture will now make biofuel blends part of regular, operational fuel purchase and use by the military. The...

WASHINGTON, Dec., 10, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a goal of investing up to $50 million to increase access to mental health care in rural areas over the next three years. The funding will be used for the...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2013 – As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's commitment to encourage the next generation of scientists, USDA Chief Scientist and Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics Catherine Woteki will speak at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., on...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2013 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a series of sweeping changes to a popular loan program for rural homebuyers. The changes are part of an extensive overhaul that will strengthen rural housing markets, increase the availability of...

WASHINGTON, December 5, 2013 - USDA Communications Director Matt Paul made the following statement today: "Negotiations on Capitol Hill about the Farm Bill should continue until House and Senate leaders reach agreement on a comprehensive bill. Numerous members of both sides have indicated progress...

The full report, along with a fact sheet, summary and infographic, is available here. WASHINGTON, December 5, 2013 – A record number of voluntary conservation practices adopted by Chesapeake Bay farmers since 2006 have significantly reduced the amount of nitrogen, sediment and phosphorus leaving...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced funding for projects in 40 states to finance investments in improved water and wastewater systems for more than 200,000 rural residents. "Rural businesses and residents need access to clean water and modern waste disposal...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will take new steps to save consumers money on their energy bills in partnership with rural electric cooperatives. USDA plans to provide rural electric cooperatives up to $250 million to lend to business and...