Outreach Newsroom - USDA News Select

A selection of press releases from the USDA Newsroom. To view all USDA news items visit the USDA Newsroom

• Sep 24, 2012  Claims Filing Period for Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Who Claim Past Discrimination at USDA to Open on September 24, 2012
  
• Sep 24, 2012  Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Failure to Pass Food, Farm and Jobs Bill
  
• Sep 21, 2012  President Obama Signs Proclamation Designating Chimney Rock as a National Monument
  
• Sep 21, 2012  USDA Grants Awarded to Promote New Economic Opportunity for Farmers and Ranchers through Local and Regional Projects
  
• Sep 6, 2012  Secretary Vilsack Announces Availability of Grants to Improve Housing for Farm Workers
  
• Aug 30, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Grants to Support Beginning Farmers and Ranchers across 24 States
  
• Aug 29, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Extends Emergency Grazing to Assist Ranchers Impacted by Drought
  
• Aug 22, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Rural Economic Development Funding Support Will Create and Retain Employment in Rural America
  
• Aug 16, 2012  USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Agricultural Producers Bring Increased Value to Their Products
  
• Aug 15, 2012  USDA Announces Low-Interest Emergency Loans Now Available to Producers in 172 Additional Counties due to Drought
  
• Aug 14, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Economic Development Funding to Create Jobs, Economic Opportunity and Strengthen Rural Communities
  
• Aug 14, 2012  Council for Native American Farming and Ranching Holds First Meeting Today
  
• Aug 9, 2012  Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces New Opportunities for Small Meat and Poultry Processors
  
• Aug 8, 2012  USDA Announces Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
  
• Aug 8, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, Obama Administration Deliver New Drought Assistance to America's Producers
  
• Aug 3, 2012  USDA Directory Records More Than 7,800 Farmers Markets
  
• Aug 1, 2012  Obama Administration Announces $9 Million Investment in Rural Communities to Foster Job Creation and Innovation
  
• Jul 31, 2012 USDA Announces Projects to Create Jobs and Strengthen Economic Development Across Rural Iowa
  
• Jul 25, 2012 USDA Designates an Additional 76 Counties in 6 States as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Worsening Drought
  
• Jul 23, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Obama Administration Efforts to Assist Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by Drought
  
• Jul 20, 2012 USDA Announces Federal Resource Guide to Assist Rural Communities
  
• Jul 18, 2012 USDA Designates an Additional 39 Counties in 8 States as Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Worsening Drought
  
• Jul 16, 2012 USDA Officials Stand with Farmers and Ranchers Affected by Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters
  
• Jul 16, 2012 USDA Releases Agroforestry Guide For Farmers, Woodland Owners
  
• Jun 18, 2012 USDA Continues Efforts Spur Job Creation and Business Growth for Tribes and Rural Communities
  
• Jun 13, 2012 USDA Secretary Vilsack Announces Measures to Improve the Quality of Life and Foster Economic Opportunity for Tribal Communities
  
• Jun 12, 2012 Agricultural Secretary Vilsack: Farm Exports Are Creating Jobs and Growing the Rural Economy
• Jun 12, 2012 USDA Forest Service Seeks Comments on Efforts to Improve Efficiency of Forest Conservation Activities
  
• Jun 12, 2012 USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Rural Businesses Create Jobs
  
• Jun 11, 2012 Obama Administration Releases Report on America's Agricultural Economy and Announces Commitment to Invest over $2 Billion in Rural Small Businesses
  
• Jun 8, 2012 USDA and Partners Nationwide Team to Feed Children during Summer Meal Gap
  
• Jun 6, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding To Improve Health and Safety, and Increase Educational Opportunities in Rural Communities
• Jun 6, 2012 Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces North Carolina Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
  
• Jun 4, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Intends to Appoint Socially-Disadvantaged Farmers as Voting Members of County Committees
  
• May 31, 2012 Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Newest Forecast for U.S. Farm Exports
  
• May 24, 2012 Secretary Vilsack Names Members to the Council for Native American Farming and Ranching
  
• May 24, 2012 USDA Provides Funding to Cooperators for Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention
  
• May 24, 2012 USDA Proposes Additional Steps to Fight Fraud and Enhance SNAP Integrity
  
• May 23, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New and Expanded Access to Credit for America's Farmers and Ranchers
  
• May 22, 2012 USDA and Partners to Invest Nearly $32 Million in Mississippi River Basin Water Quality and Wetlands Projects
  
• May 18, 2012 Obama Administration to Hire 20,000 Young People for Summer Work on Public Lands
  
• May 16, 2012 Secretary Vilsack Highlights Importance of Agriculture Education and Research to America's Prosperity
  
• May 9, 2012 USDA Grants to Increase Farmers Market Participation in SNAP
  
• May 9, 2012 USDA Seeks Grant Applications to Improve Rural Housing
  
• May 8, 2012 USDA Advances Water Quality Conservation Across the U.S.
  
• May 4, 2012 Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture Announce $5.3 million to Fund Collaborative Projects for Agricultural Water Use Efficiencies
  
• May 4, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding To Improve Rural Electric Infrastructure and Make the 'Grid' More Reliable and Efficient
  
• May 3, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Urges Petroleum Companies to Increase Adoption of American Made Renewable Energy
  
• May 3, 2012 USDA Invites Applications for Grants to Provide Broadband Service to Remote Rural Communities
  
• Apr 26, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Support for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives to Create Jobs, Boost Local Economies
  
• Apr 24, 2012 USDA Announces Assistance for 13 Wetlands Partnership Projects in 12 States
  
• Apr 23, 2012 South Florida Hispanic Business Leaders and USDA Under Secretary Ed Avalos Share Ideas on How to Boost Small Businesses and Create Jobs
  
• Apr 20, 2012 Statement From Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Senate Agriculture Committee 2012 Farm Bill Mark
  
• Apr 20, 2012 USDA Unveils New Food Hub Resource Guide to Expand Market Opportunities for Farmers and Ranchers
  
• Apr 19, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Says Thank You to America's Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural Communities for Helping Strengthen Our Nation's Economy
• Apr 17, 2012 USDA Partners with Canada to Increase Use of Agroforestry Practices by Landowners
• Apr 06, 2012  US Forest Service Targets $40.6M to Purchase, Restore Lands in 15 States
• Apr 05, 2012  Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants Available
• Apr 04, 2012  USDA and the American Association of Community Colleges Sign Agreement to Increase Access to Education, Underscores Rural Council Goal to Strengthen the Rural Economy
• Apr 02, 2012  USDA Urges Americans to Prevent Invasive Pests, Protect American Agriculture
• Mar 30, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Recipients for Energy Audits, and Renewable Energy Development Assistance
• Mar 26, 2012  Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Brings USDA's College Tour to New Mexico
• Mar 23, 2012  USDA Warns of Additional Fraudulent Letters and Calls
• Mar 23, 2012  USDA Publishes Final Rule to Restore the Nation's Forests Through Science and Collaboration
• Mar 21, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Highlights Benefits of the Affordable Care Act to Rural Americans
• Mar 21, 2012  USDA Seeks Applications to Spur Job Creation, Economic Growth in Rural Areas
• Mar 16, 2012  USDA Warns of Fraudulent Letters
• Mar 16, 2012  New Study Explores Innovation and Opportunities for Diverse Local Food Distributors
• Mar 14, 2012  USDA Announces Assistance to Rural Communities and Residents Affected by Recent Tornadoes
• Mar 08, 2012  Obama Administration Announces $15 Million Multi-Agency Challenge To Foster Job Creation and Business Innovation in Rural Communities Nationwide
• Mar 08, 2012  USDA and Interior Announce Wildlife Conservation Efforts to Support Local Economies and Preserve Farm and Ranch Traditions
• Mar 07, 2012  USDA Announces Investments in Nutrition Education for Native American Families
• Mar 07, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Infrastructure and Make the 'Grid' More Reliable and Efficient
• Mar 06, 2012  USDA Provides Disaster Recovery Assistance in 20 States
• Mar 05, 2012  USDA Seeks Applications For Economic Development Funding To Create Jobs In Rural Areas
• Mar 02, 2012  USDA and Rural Community College Alliance, Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen the Rural Economy
• Mar 02, 2012  Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Conservation Reserve Program Initiative to Restore Grasslands, Wetlands and Wildlife
• Feb 29, 2012  USDA Unveils the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass
• Feb 28, 2012  USDA to Tap Veterans and Transitioning Service Members for Careers in Agriculture
• Feb 24, 2012  USDA Goes the Extra Mile for Producers, Helping to Meet Demand for U.S. Cattle
• Feb 24, 2012  We Can't Wait: Secretary Vilsack Announces Outreach to Help Rural USDA-Financed Homeowners Refinance Mortgages, Reduce Payments
• Feb 23, 2012  USDA Kicks Off 150th Anniversary at the 2012 Ag Outlook Forum
• Feb 22, 2012  USDA Awards 23 AgrAbility Grants to Expand Access to Farming for Disabled Americans
• Feb 21, 2012  We Can't Wait: Obama Administration Announces Steps to Boost the Rural Economy, Promote Job Creation
• Feb 16, 2012  USDA Announces START2FARM.GOV to Support America's Future Farming Generations
• Feb 15, 2012  USDA Grants Support Local Efforts to Fight Hunger and Food Insecurity
• Feb 03, 2012  Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces Funding To Create Jobs and Strengthen the Economic Foundation of Rural America
• Feb 01, 2012  Obama Administration Announces Pilot Program to Help Rural Borrowers Refinance Mortgages, Get Lower Interest Rates
• Jan 27, 2012 USDA Names Winners of 2012 Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program
• Jan 25, 2012 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Updated and Improved Process to Resolve Discrimination Claims of Hispanic and Women Farmers
• Jan 04, 2012 Deadline for USDA Conservation Innovation Grant Pre-proposals January 31
  Dec 13, 2011 USDA Reminds Native American Farmers and Ranchers that Keepseagle Settlement Claims Filing Period Closes Dec 27
  
• Dec 07, 2011 USDA Establishes Advisory Board for Native American Farmers and Ranchers
  
• Nov 28, 2011 Pigford Settlement Claims Filing Period Opens for African American Farmers and Ranchers
  Nov 08, 2011 USDA Celebrates Veterans Day, Honors More Than 10,000 Veterans Working At USDA
  Nov 02, 2011 Minority Farmer Advisory Committee to Hold Second Meeting, Finalize Recommendations on Increasing Minority Participation in USDA Programs
• Oct 31, 2011 USDA Announces Grants to Support Food and Agricultural Sciences Education at Hispanic-Serving Institutions
• Oct 28, 2011 Statements by Attorney General Holder and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Court Approval of Pigford II Settlement Agreement
• Oct 28, 2011 USDA Invests in Crop Insurance Education to Help Small and Underserved Producers in 47 States Manage Risk, Remain Productive
• Oct 28, 2011 USDA Announces Rural Economic Development Funding for Historically African-American Land-Grant Universities
• Oct 14, 2011 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Proposed Rules to Improve the Quality of Life and Foster Economic Opportunity for Tribal Communities
• Oct 13, 2011 USDA Reminds Native American Farmers and Ranchers that Keepseagle Settlement Claims Filing Period Open Through Dec 27
• Sep 30, 2011 Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces Assistance to Help Raise New Crop of Farmers and Ranchers
• Sep 28, 2011 USDA Farm Service Agency Decreases Complaint Rate to Lowest Level in History, While Loans Increase to Socially Disadvantaged Borrowers
• Aug 18, 2011 USDA Announces Funding To Provide Jobs, Business Growth and Improve Transportation Services for Tribes and Rural Communities
• Aug 09, 2011 Minority Farmer Advisory Committee to Hold First Meeting, Discuss Continued Efforts to Increase Minority Participation in USDA Programs
• Aug 05, 2011 More than 1,000 New Farmers Markets Recorded Across Country as USDA Directory Reveals 17 Percent Growth
• Jul 28, 2011 USDA Makes Funds Available to Meet Urgent Credit Needs of Producers
• Jul 26, 2011 Keepseagle Settlement Claims Filing Period Opens for Native American Farmers and Ranchers: Those Eligible Must File Claims No Later than Dec 27,2011
• Jul 24, 2011 Agriculture Secretary Joins the National Council of La Raza to Highlight Improvements to the Nutritional Health of Hispanics across the Country
• Jul 21, 2011 USDA Official Meets with Hispanic and Women Farmers to Discuss Process for Resolving Discrimination Claims in Florida
• Jul 06, 2011 USDA Official Meets with Hispanic and Women Farmers to Discuss Process for Resolving Discrimination Claims in Texas
• Jun 29, 2011 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Support for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives to Create Jobs by Becoming More Profitable and Efficient
• Jun 28, 2011 USDA Invited Applications for Value Added Producer Grants to Assist Farmers
• Jun 09, 2011 USDA Official Meets with Hispanic and Women Farmers to Discuss Process for Resolving Discrimination Claims in California
• May 04, 2011 USDA Official Meets with Hispanic and Women Farmers to Discuss Process for Resolving Discrimination Claims in Texas and New Mexico
• Apr 27, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Seeks Nominations for Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers
• Apr 26, 2011 USDA Official Meets with Hispanic and Women Farmers to Discuss Process for Resolving Discrimination Claims in Phoenix
• Mar 24, 2011 Secretary Vilsack Appoints an Advisory Committee to Improve Minority Participation in USDA Programs
• Feb 28, 2011 Office of Tribal Relations Seeks Comments from Tribes on Consultation Plan
• Dec 13, 2010 USDA Introduces an Online Tool to Assist Beginning and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• Fall 2010 "Minority Landowner Magazine" Special Issue showcasing OAO
• Nov 19, 2010 Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on Congressional Action on Pigford Settlement
• Nov 01, 2010 Secretary Vilsack Appoints Members to Beginning Farmer Committee
• Feb 17, 2010 NIFA Announces Grants to Help Train and Educate the Next Generation of Farmers and Ranchers
• Nov 01, 2010 USDA Announces Effort to Support Hispanic Farmers and Ranchers
• Oct 28, 2010 USDA Announces Grant for Rural Coalition
• Oct 28, 2010 USDA Announces Grants to Education Institutions to Improve Outreach to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, Ranchers, and Forest Landowners
• Oct 28, 2010 USDA Official Visits Arkansas, Announces Grants to the National Black Growers Council and East Arkansas Enterprise Community
• Oct 28, 2010 USDA Announces Grant for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives
• Oct 28, 2010 USDA Announces Grant for Rural Community Development Resources
• Oct 27, 2010 USDA Official Visits Missouri, Announces Grant for the Center for Rural Affairs
• Oct 26, 2010 USDA Visits Oklahoma, Announces Grant for the National Women in Agriculture Association
• Oct 19, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Attorney General Holder Announce Settlement Agreement with Native American Farmers Who Claim to Have Faced Discrimination by USDA in Past Decades, Settlement Addresses Discrimination Claims Made Over Farm Loan Programs
• Sep 29, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Urges Congressional Action on the Pigford Settlement Agreemtent
• Sep 15, 2010 NIFA Awards Help Colleges and Universities Serve Hispanic Students
• Sep 15, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Support for Historically Black Colleges and Small Agriculture Producers, Support Will Promote Economic Development, Traning for Entrepreneurship and Business Growth
• Sep 10, 2010 Secretary Vilsack Announces Investments in Tribal Land-Grant Institutions, 22 Colleges in Nine States Receive Funding Through Tribal College Grant Program
• Sep 09, 2010 USDA Awards Support Research and Teaching at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
• Aug 12, 2010 USDA Announces Implementation of Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• Jun 07, 2010 USDA Announces Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• May 21, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Alabama Grants to Enhance Program Delivery to Minority Farmers, Also Celebrated New Memorandum with 1890 Universities at Student Roundtable
• May 14, 2010 USDA Helps Retiring Farmers Transition their Land to Beginning Farmers in New Farm Bill Program
• May 07, 2010 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Support for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives to Become More Profitable and Efficient
• April 16, 2010 USDA Awards 20 Education Grants to Strengthen Food and Agriculture Programs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions
• Mar 31, 2010 Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Pigford Settlement
• Feb 18, 2010 What They Are Saying: USDA Announces Historic Pigford II Settlement Agreement
• Feb 18, 2010 USDA and Department of Justice Announce Historic Settlement in Lawsuit by Black Farmers Claiming Discrimination by USDA
• Dec 09, 2009 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New USDA Office of Advocacy and Outreach
• Dec 09, 2009 USDA Awards More Than $14 Million for Training and Assistance to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• Nov 04, 2009 USDA Reports In-Depth Look at American Indian Farmers, Report Released on Heels of Productive Discussion Between USDA, Tribal Leaders
• Nov 03, 2009 USDA Announces $17 Million in Grants to Train Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
• Nov 01, 2010 USDA Marks National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month: Tribal Consultation Sessions to be Held Through Dec
• Oct 06, 2009 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding to 1890 Land-Grant Institutions to Promote Jobs and Business Growth
• Sep 28, 2009 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Awards $1.4 Million in Grants to Help Small and Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Cooperatives
• Sep 25, 2009 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Applauds Efforts to Assist Florida Tomato Workers
• Sep 03, 2009 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Awards $4.7 Million for Tribal College Grants
• May 06, 2009 President Obama Announces Plans to Provide Settlement Funds for Lawsuit by Black Farmers Against USDA, USDA Offers Solution to Long-Standing Case by Discriminated Farmers
• Apr 22, 2009 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Plan to Promote Civil Rights, Equal Access at Department of Agriculture, USDA to Suspend Farm Loan Program Foreclosures, Review Loans for Discriminatory Conduct
• Jan 29, 2009 Secretary Vilsack Announces More Than $6 Million to Train Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• Feb 06, 2008 Statement by USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner Regarding H-2A Farm Worker Program Revisions
• Spring 2008 Small Farm Digest – Women in Agriculture
• Oct 25, 2004 Veneman Announces the Availability of Nearly $500 Million in Disaster Assistance to Restore Farmland, Forests - $5 Million in Grants Available to Aid Farm Workers
• Sep 02, 2003 USDA Awards Grants to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers
• Oct 15, 2003 Veneman Dedicates Migrant/Seasonal Farmworker Housing Facility in Florida