USDA

Specialty crop investments focus of USDA effort

Through the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working to provide additional support to and increase the competitiveness of the specialty crops sector. ... more »

Hurricane Idalia disaster declaration made for Georgia pecans, other produce

Nearly 30 counties in southeast Georgia are eligible for disaster assistance from damage caused by Hurricane Idalia, which struck the state's pecan groves on Aug. 30. The storm damaged state fruit,... more »

USDA celebrates the opening of new research center

The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly constructed Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center... more »

USDA proposes revising pecan standards

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing changing U.S. in-shell and shelled pecan standards. The changes are designed to reflect current industry descriptions and practices, accord... more »

USDA provides $3+ billion in disaster funding to commodity and specialty crop producers

USDA will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the... more »

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance endorses legislation

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other p... more »

California Walnut Objective Measurement Report releases update on walnut production forecast

The 2023 California walnut production forecast released on Sep. 1, 2023 was revised on Oct. 4, 2023. The update reflects additional acreage removal information, according to the USDA National Agricult... more »

USDA extends specialty crop grants deadline

The USDA has extended the deadline for the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program Request for Applications (RFA). The Specialty Crop Multi-State Program RFAs must be submitted electronically through w... more »

USDA pilot program to help ag employers, farmworkers

Agricultural employers can begin to apply for a pilot program designed to address workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $65 ... more »

Farm Action group pushes specialty crops to reduce ag trade deficit

Domestic production of high-value, nutrient-dense crops has long been on the decline in the U.S., with the majority of acreage shifting to livestock feed and fuel production, according to Farm Action,... more »