USDA Announces $23 Million in Grant Funding Available to Support the U.S. Dairy Industry

June 15, 2023 USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $23 million in grant funding is available to support processing capacity expansion, on-farm improvements, and technical assistance services to producers through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives.

USDA Launches Effort to Strengthen Substantiation of Animal-Raising Claims

June 14, 2023 USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. This action builds on the significant work USDA has already undertaken to protect consumers from false and misleading labels and to implement President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American economy.

IFPA to Collaborate with the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center to Create a Diverse and Resilient Food System in the Region

The International Fresh Produce Association is pleased to announce it will collaborate with the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center led by the Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Worker Opportunities. 

USDA Seeks Nominees for Christmas Tree Promotion Board

May 5, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for six seats on the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint six individuals to serve terms beginning Jan. 1, 2024. Nominations are due to the board by June 1.

IDFA Announces ‘Healthy School Milk Commitment’ to Provide Nutritious Milk with Less Added Sugar for Students in Public Schools, Surpassing USDA Standards

On behalf of U.S. milk processors, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced the establishment of the Healthy School Milk Commitment, a pledge by dairy companies to deliver milk’s 13 essential nutrients to America’s students while reducing calories and added sugars in flavored milk. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, 37 school milk processors representing more than 90% of the school milk volume in the United States commit to provide healthy, nutritious school milk options with no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8 fluid ounce serving, fully consistent with the latest federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans and ahead of current school meal nutrition guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).