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Thank you very much, thank you. Certainly is a pleasure to be here this afternoon. I apologize for being a few minutes late. But I was visiting with some important folks in the cattle industry and we were having an important conversation. But this is a great opportunity for us to put the focus and...

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today begins its celebration of the International Year of Soils to highlight the importance of healthy soils for food security, ecosystem functions and resilient farms and ranches. "Healthy soil is the foundation that ensures...

During the week of December 14, 2014, USDA confirmed two findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Washington State and in a small backyard poultry flock in Oregon. We reported these findings to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) as required. As a result of the findings...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2014 -- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of members to the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) for the 2014-2016 term. Established in 1971, the 19-member NACMPI meets on food safety concerns and advises the...

WASHINGTON, December 19, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has posted data from the 2013 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary. The PDP summary confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2014 — The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic (HPAI) H5 avian influenza in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. Two separate virus strains were identified: HPAI H5N2...

I would like to thank the U.S.-China Business Council, Mead Johnson Nutrition, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade for allowing me to speak on such an important theme today. I also want to applaud you for focusing attention on the...

WASHINGTON, December 17, 2014 - "Throughout history, agriculture has served as a bridge to foster cooperation, understanding and the exchange of ideas among people. I have no doubt that agriculture will continue to play that powerful role as we expand our relationship with the Cuban people in the...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2014 – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy today joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary (USDA) Tom Vilsack, Mike Boots of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, a...

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than 200,000 tons of biomass were removed from federal lands through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). BCAP, reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, provided incentives for the removal of dead or diseased...