USDA Invests $5.2 Million in 17 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Projects 

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $5.2 million in 17 new grants that support urban agriculture and innovative production. Grant recipients, including Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest in Pennsylvania, will increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals.

USDA Approves Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program Assistance in 2 Illinois Counties

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 2, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that two Illinois counties are accepting applications for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to address tornado and severe storm damages.  The approved counties for EFRP signup are Marshall and Putnam counties.

USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers

Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

SAN JUAN, P.R., January 9, 2023 — Today, at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation.  

USDA Expands Funding Opportunities for Specialty Crop Growers to Help Offset On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for 2024 and 2025

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification.