USDA Press Releases

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2016 - A new report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that in 2014, the biobased products industry contributed $393 billion and 4.2 million jobs to America's recovering economy. The report also indicates that the sector grew from 2013 to 2014...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2016 - Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today the start of a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jobs program that will use the national apprenticeship system to hire new employees as agricultural commodity graders, a key role in USDA's mission to protect...

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is awarding 29 grants totaling $5.8 million to help rural cooperatives create jobs and support business expansion. The funds are being provided through the Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) program, which...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking retailer volunteers for a two year, nationwide pilot to enable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to purchase their groceries online. The 2014 Farm Bill mandated a pilot be conducted to test...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2016 – At the 8th Tribal Nations Conference hosted today by President Barack Obama in Washington, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack underscored the Administration's support for tribal communities with $9 million in new funds to support community development and education. Since...

WILMINGTON, Ohio, Sept. 22, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a $54.6 million Community Facilities program loan to the Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon, Ohio, to renovate a critical access hospital that also offers treatment for substance misuse disorders. "USDA's...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued the following statement: "I welcome the announcement from China's Ministry of Agriculture that it has lifted its ban on U.S. beef following a recently concluded review of the U.S. supply system. This announcement is a...

CARRIERE, Miss., Sept. 19, 2016 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie today announced a new three-year, $328 million restoration strategy to improve water quality and help coastal ecosystems heal following the Deepwater Horizon...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2016, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new USDA initiatives to strengthen outreach and education resources at the local level to combat the rural opioid epidemic, including an expanded series of state-led opioid awareness events and increased access to information in...

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2016 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing in 18 projects in 16 states to use communications technology to expand access to health care, substance misuse treatment and advanced educational opportunities. "These investments will help provide...