Agricultural Marketing Service

Dairy Programs' Virtual Interns Recognized as a "Bright Idea"

Student interns across the country use technology to connect with staff.

I am pleased to say that our Dairy Programs' Virtual Intern Program (VIP) was recently honored by Harvard University's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Our team was among 111 programs honored by the school's Bright Ideas initiative. The initiative, part of the Innovations in American Government Awards program, promotes creative government ventures and partnerships while creating an online community where innovative ideas can be proposed, shared and disseminated.

Increasing Opportunities and Expanding Possibilities through the Farmers Market Promotion Program

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan at the Baltimore Farmers Market.

Last Friday, I was honored to announce $9 million in new grants through USDA's Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The program targets producers, cooperatives and organizations that market products directly to consumers ? just one of the many marketing approaches that make American agriculture so successful..

New Beef Cut List Opens Trade Possibilities for U.S. Producers

In a collaborative effort, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, Foreign Agricultural Service and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) recently published a revised list of beef cuts. The list now includes U.S. cuts, based on USDA standards, available for export to Chile under the existing Free Trade Agreement. The addition of the new cuts, listed next to their Chilean equivalent, will allow U.S. producers to send more products to Chile.

Celebrating All Things Mushroom During National Mushroom Month

Stuffed mushrooms with breadcrumbs and cheese.

Whether you eat them for their unique flavor or distinct texture, there are plenty of reasons why you should try mushrooms during National Mushroom Month. One thing is certain--you could spend the entire month of September finding different ways to enjoy mushrooms.