USDA AMS

Producers of South Texas Onions Vote to Continue the Federal Marketing Order

December 19, 2022 USDA AMS

In a referendum held between Sep. 1 and Oct. 3, 2022, continuance of the marketing order was favored by 78.6% of Texas onion producers voting in the referendum, and by 73.7% of the volume voted in the referendum. For the marketing order to continue, two-thirds or more of producers voting, or producers representing two-thirds or more of the volume voted, needed to vote in favor of continuance.   …

USDA Decreases Pork Checkoff Assessment Rate

November 16, 2022 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register a preview of its final rule to decrease the current Pork Checkoff assessment rate of 0.40 percent (40 cents per $100) of the market value of all pigs sold in the United States to 0.35 percent. The final rule also decreases assessments on imported pork and pork products to bring importer assessments in line with those paid by domestic producers. This assessment decrease was recommended by the National Pork Producers Delegate Body (Delegate Body), which voted on the issue during its annual meeting held in Louisville, Ky., on March 9-11, 2022. …

USDA Awards $22.9 Million to Support Dairy Initiatives

November 14, 2022 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $22.9 million in awards to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI) grant program. The funds are being awarded noncompetitively to the four current DBI Initiatives at the California State University Fresno, the University of Tennessee, Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, and the University of Wisconsin. …

Pre-Solicitation Announcement for CCC Purchase of Fresh Apples, Pears, Potatoes, and Mixed Fresh Produce Boxes

November 10, 2022 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh Apples, Pears, Potatoes, and Mixed Fresh Produce Boxes for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority …

USDA Appoints Members to Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee

November 4, 2022 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of 25 industry representatives to serve on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). The reappointed and newly appointed members will serve two-year terms beginning immediately and ending in October 2024. …