Kevin Shea

Xochitl Torres Small Nominated For USDA #2 Role
Xochitl Torres Small Nominated For USDA #2 Role
Xochitl Torres Small Nominated For USDA #2 Role
Last week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced he was nominating Xochitl Torres Small for the Ag department deputy secretary position that will soon be vacated.   “Under Secretary Torres Small who is currently operating our Rural Development missionary has done a terrific job of communicating the mission of Rural Development and understands and appreciates the important role that Department of Agri
APHIS Continues Efforts To Prevent Pest Problems
APHIS Continues Efforts To Prevent Pest Problems
APHIS Continues Efforts To Prevent Pest Problems
While much has been accomplished in its 50 years of existence, the Administrator of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Kevin Shea, said efforts to prevent and control pest and disease threats will never really end. For instance, he pointed to efforts to keep African Swine Fever out of our country ...
USDA APHIS Celebrates 50 Years
USDA APHIS Celebrates 50 Years
USDA APHIS Celebrates 50 Years
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is celebrating a major milestone; 50 years of serving the public as a federal agency. USDA created APHIS on April 2, 1972, to consolidate animal health, plant health, and inspection duties under one roof. The ...
APHIS Announces Final Strategic Framework for Enhancing Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
APHIS Announces Final Strategic Framework for Enhancing Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
APHIS Announces Final Strategic Framework for Enhancing Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wednesday announced the final Strategic Framework outlining how the Agency will advance surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. USDA says early detection and response to pathogens with zoonotic potential while still in animals is essential in limiting or preventing human outbreaks. Addi ...
NASDA Seeks Flexibility to Protect Farm Workers, Specialty Crop Industry
NASDA Seeks Flexibility to Protect Farm Workers, Specialty Crop Industry
NASDA Seeks Flexibility to Protect Farm Workers, Specialty Crop Industry
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture this week asked the USDA for more flexibility in the use of Specialty Crop Block Grants. Specifically, NASDA seeks additional flexibility in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 to enhance their responses to the continued demands COVID-19 places on the industry ...
Senate Ag Committee Schedules Vilsack Confirmation Hearing
Senate Ag Committee Schedules Vilsack Confirmation Hearing
Senate Ag Committee Schedules Vilsack Confirmation Hearing
The Senate Agriculture Committee has scheduled the confirmation hearing for Agriculture Secretary nominee Tom Vilsack. The committee will meet Tuesday, February 2. Vilsack is expected to enjoy a smooth confirmation process overall. Vilsack previously served as Ag Secretary for all eight years of the Obama administration before heading up the U ...
Biden Names Acting Federal Agency Leaders
Biden Names Acting Federal Agency Leaders
Biden Names Acting Federal Agency Leaders
President Joe Biden designated acting leaders to federal agencies to oversee the government until his political appointments are confirmed upon taking office. Biden assigned Kevin Shea as the acting Agriculture Secretary. Shea will assume the duties until the Senate confirms Biden’s pick, Tom Vilsack, for the top post at USDA. Shea ...