The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will begin modernizing acceptance procedures for poultry and egg products purchased for federal food and nutrition assistance programs. Instead of mandating a “USDA Grade” which requires continuous oversight by an AMS employee, the agency will describe the desired quality attributes and then audit suppliers for their ability to produce conforming products. Companies producing fresh, frozen, and further processed beef and pork products already successfully use this acceptance model.

Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to receive evidence on proposed amendments to Marketing Order No. 959 (Order) that regulates the handling of onions grown in South Texas.  Four amendments are proposed by the South Texas Onion Committee (Committee), which is responsible for local administration of the Order.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order for South Texas onions Feb. 3-4, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST at the Mission Event Center in Mission, Texas.

The committee recommended four proposals for consideration:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee to fill seats for three members and three alternates for a two-year term of office, beginning June 1, 2026 and ending May 31, 2028. Nominations will be accepted at the Nominations Committee Meeting in Walla Walla, Wash. on Jan. 28, 2026.

The committee is seeking nominees for:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding more than $11 million in grant funding to support dairy businesses and producers through 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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of four members to serve on the American Lamb Board. All members will serve three-year terms beginning January 2026.

Newly appointed members are:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of one producer and one expert in finance and management to serve as members on the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors. The newly appointed members will serve three-year terms starting in January 2026.

Newly appointed members are:

12/19/2025: Peter Guenther – Seminole, Texas

Peter Guenther agrees to pay a civil penalty of $100,000 and will not represent itself as a USDA certified organic operation unless it becomes certified organic. Peter Guenther will not sell, label or represent products as USDA certified organic or use the USDA organic seal without organic certification.

12/30/2025: Peter and Amy Mursu Farm – New York Mills, Minnesota

The following webpages resources link to other USDA programs and resources that may complement and support AMS grant activities. These materials are provided as reference and are not requirements for AMS grant programs.  

• USDA’s Local/Regional Food Programs
• Starting or Expanding a Farm
• Learn about more USDA resources

The following resources are supplemental information, tools, and references to support program efforts and stakeholder understanding of AMS programs. The resources are intended for informational purposes and should be used in conjunction with program specific guidance.  

• Seeds of Success: Digging into the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program
• Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP)