tom vilsack

The Department of Ag seeks nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers.  The committee will recommend solutions to challenges faced by minority farmers and ranchers and is part of USDA's commitment to advance equity for all, especially for farmers and producers in underserved communities.  The com...

Earlier this week, the USDA announced new investments to provide healthy school meals to students.  The Department announced several actions to expand support and access to the school meal program including $50 million in grants to increase collaboration between schools, food producers and suppliers.   ...

“The outlook is bright, is hopeful," said Ag secretary Tom Vilsack at last week’s USDA Outlook Forum, telling those in attendance that agriculture is at a pivotal point of being able to make things much better for small and mid-sized producers and rural communities.   “The po...

Mexico’s Agriculture Ministry recently voiced concerns regarding the proposed voluntary “Product of USA” label effort.   Announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week, the label claim would be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.   Mexico's Agri...

Earlier this month, U.S. Trade Representative’s Office requested technical consultations with Mexico regarding its proposed ban on GMO corn imports from the U.S.  The request is under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter of USMCA.  Ag Secretary ...

On Monday, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an $89 million investment to finance the startup and expansion of independent meat processors.  USDA also announced the department's initial steps to create a more competitive marketplace for seeds and other agricultural inputs.  Vilsack...

On Monday, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office requested technical consultations with the Government of Mexico under USMCA.  The consultations, as part of the USMCA Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter, are aimed at Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn.   “The United ...

On Monday, the USDA released a proposed rule with new regulatory requirements to the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim.  The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.   “American consumers expect that when

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said he’s not waiting around for Congress to reform the H-2A farm guest worker program but is starting his department’s own program.  During February's Ag Outlook Forum, the USDA head said while he’s hopeful that Republicans and Democrats in Congress will try to address the systemic challenges that growers and farm workers face, he said he’s committed to doing everything h

USDA's Equity Commission presented its 2023 Interim Report to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week.  The 37-page report and its findings are based on the personal experiences and expertise of its members, their collaborative and in-depth review of USDA's programs and practices, and stakeholder input.  Example...