The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of six members to serve on the Softwood Lumber Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2027.

Newly appointed members are:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a recommended decision today on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California.

Based on the record evidence, USDA recommends amending the marketing order to incorporate the following proposed amendments recommended by the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC), which locally administers the marketing order:

Proposal 1:

View the Hemp Factsheet (pdf)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee to fill three producer member seats and three alternate member seats whose terms will begin Jan. 1, 2025. Nominations must be made during the nomination meetings being held in each district.

Nomination Meetings:

District 1

Applications will be accepted for seasonal HVI Operator position starting September 30th, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until all positions are filled. Applications can be picked up and submitted at the Abilene Classing Office, 24 Windmill Circle, Abilene, TX.  Additional information can be obtained by calling our office at (325) 690-9378 or email AbileneCO@usda.gov.

Apply Starting September 30, 2024

• Agriculture Commodity Technician Cotton (HVI Operator) GS-1981-3/1, $17.06 per hour

View the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee Fact Sheet (pdf)

View the Specialty Crop Inspection Division Fact Sheet (pdf)

View the SCP Market News Fact Sheet (pdf)