USDA Reapportions the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Membership and Makes Technical Amendments to the Beef Promotion and Research Order

November 10, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register its final rule to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2020, as required by the rules governing the board. The final rule was published Nov. 6, 2023, and goes into effect Dec. 6, 2023.

USDA Announces Suspension of Cranberry Marketing Order Provisions

October 26, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the suspension of the assessment collection and reporting requirement provisions of the Cranberry Marketing Order which regulates the handling of cranberries grown in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island, New York.

USDA Proposes an Amendment to the Oregon and Washington Pears Marketing Order

October 23, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a proposed rule to amend the federal marketing order for pears grown in Oregon and Washington. The amendment would reduce the percent of votes needed to approve changes to the handling regulations from 80 percent to 75 percent. The Fresh Pear Committee recommended the changes.

USDA Awards $23 Million to Support Dairy Initiatives

October 9, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $23 million in awards to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. The initiatives support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products.

USDA Seeks Nominees for the Vidalia Onion Committee

September 5, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for the Vidalia Onion Committee to fill four producer member seats and four alternate member seats whose terms will begin Jan. 1, 2024. Nominations will be accepted through Sept. 8, 2023.