USDA Latest

WASHINGTON, January 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) today highlighted some of the office’s key accomplishments in 2021 that support creating better markets and expanding climate-smart agriculture. “Over the past year, our staff provided economic expertise, timely analyses, and coordination for several key activities and initiatives ranging from economic intelligence and commodity outlook forecasting to climate change adaptation strategies and pest management […]

WASHINGTON, January 20, 2022: Mr. Chairman, thank you very, very much. I appreciate the opportunity to be here today. And also, to Representative Thompson, thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Committee. Thank you to the members for this opportunity.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2022 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued the following statement highlighting key steps the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken to advance equity under the Biden-Harris Administration. Under Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, USDA has taken bold, historic action toward rooting out generations of systemic racism, deeply integrating equity in decision-making and policymaking inclusive of all USDA employees and customers.

WASHINGTON, January 20, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) today announced 2021 achievements that elevate the nation-to-nation relationship and promote equitable access to USDA programs and services. “USDA and the federal government have a distinct relationship with tribal nations,” said USDA Office of Tribal Relations Director Heather Dawn Thompson. “We are embarking on new initiatives to reframe approaches to how USDA serves Indian […]

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 19, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is making up to $10 million available to help people living in rural towns develop community renewable energy projects that will help them cut their energy costs and contribute to the nationwide effort to reduce pollution that contributes to climate change. These funds will be targeted to help people who live […]

PHOENIX, Jan.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2022 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement delivering on the commitment to combat climate change and highlighting key accomplishments to combat climate change at the Department of Agriculture since the Biden-Harris Administration took office on January 20, 2021.

WASHINGTON, January 14, 2022 – “As we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the profound impact of answering the call to serve others and in striving to do right by upholding the values of equity, justice, and inclusion.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today a $9 million investment in new Cooperative Extension and USDA Climate Hubs partnerships to bolster climate research and connect and share climate-smart solutions directly with the agricultural community.