The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest nearly $75 million for 15 partner-led projects to address natural resource concerns on private lands. The projects include a $7.5 million investment in the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE)-led Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project to secure farmers premier access to low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) markets based on their adoption of …
2021 NASDA Annual Meeting
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Hybrid Annual Meeting – Louisville, KY – Sept. 19-22 – hosted by NASDA president and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles with the theme “Redefining Agriculture” U.S. EPA Administrator Michael Regan, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, provide perspective on administration priorities and issues important to …
White House Press Briefing on Meat Prices
September 8 White House press briefing with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and National Economic Council Director Brian Deese on meat prices. Deese discusses how beef, pork, and poultry are the real drivers of increased grocery store bills, and that there’s an underlying corporate consolidation problem with meat-processing giants that needs to be addressed. Secretary Vilsack discusses actions the administration …
USDA Invests $464 Million in Renewable Energy Infrastructure
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday announced that USDA is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and to help rural communities, agricultural producers and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico. USDA is financing $129 million of these investments through the Rural Energy for America Program and $335 million through the Electric Loan Program. …
New Report Shows How U.S. Agriculture Can Fight Climate Change
A new report commissioned by Farm Journal Foundation finds U.S. farmers have the potential to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and become part of the global solution to climate change. U.S. agriculture contributes about 10% of the total greenhouse gas emissions of the entire national economy, but farmers could greatly reduce those emissions if they were provided with the …
USDA Expands CRP and Funds Rural Infrastructure
As President Biden opened a two-day virtual climate summit Thursday, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack discussed the role USDA and agriculture will play in the administration target calling for U.S. emissions to be 50% to 52% lower in 2030 compared to 2005. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced USDA will open enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with higher …
USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Producers
USDA has unveiled a new initiative for farmers, ranchers and biofuels producers impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions – Pandemic Assistance for Producers (PAP). USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and …
Vilsack and Regan at Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit
The fifth annual Agri-Pulse Ag and Food Policy Summit was held virtually March 22-24, offering insight from members of Congress, political appointees, food and agricultural leaders from coast to coast, along with industry and academic experts with the theme: “Climate Risks, Rewards and Uncertainties.” Newly confirmed Biden appointees Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Michael Regan were among …
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Speaks at 2021 Commodity Classic
The 2021 Commodity Classic Special Edition ended today with a closing general session featuring U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Moderating was Gale Cunningham, WYXY and current president of NAFB. Following the Secretary’s remarks Gale poses several questions. There is a significant amount of on-demand content in the Special Edition platform. Registrants, including the media, will be able to access …
Ag Secretary Vilsack Addresses NFU
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack started his first full week of work Monday addressing the National Farmers Union’s virtual convention, the first of many appearances he will likely be making to agricultural organizations. As secretary under the Obama Administration for eight years, Vilsack made an effort to attend as many agriculture and biofuel related events as possible each year. NFU …
Secretary Vilsack Back at the USDA
Former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack became current secretary under the Biden Administration this week, returning to the job he held for eight years under President Obama. Secretary Vilsack was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, sworn in virtually by Vice President Harris on Wednesday, and held his first press call with reporters Thursday morning. Listen to that call here: …
Tom Vilsack Senate Ag Confirmation Hearing
Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday questioned former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about his goals if confirmed to return to his old job as the new Secretary of Agriculture. (4:36) Vilsack discussed his plans for the biofuels industry in response to a question from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). (1:37) Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) asked Vilsack how he will support …
USDA Offers Additional CFAP Aid for Some Producers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Among the announced updates: Contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs and turkeys who suffered a drop …
USDA Announces New Biofuels Infrastructure Grants
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue was in Albert Lea, Minnesota on Thursday to announce $22 million out of the up to $100 million in grants available to increase American ethanol and biodiesel sales under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to recipients in 14 states. The initial $22 million in HBIIP investments are projected to increase ethanol demand by nearly …
Secretary Perdue Visits Florida Panhandle
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue took a tour of crop damage from Hurricane Sally in Alabama and Florida on Monday. He visited the Jenkins Farm in Jay, Florida and heard from farmers in the panhandle of the state who suffered damage to cotton and peanut crops. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who represents the 1st district of Florida, joined Secretary …