USDA Modifies Handling Requirements for Washington Sweet Cherries
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is modifying the handling requirements for sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington.
USDA Appoints Members to the American Pecan Promotion Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of six members to serve on the American Pecan Promotion Board. The six members will serve three-year terms, effective Oct. 1, 2026, through Sep. 30, 2029.
Newly appointed members are:
USDA Revises the Mushroom Grade Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the United States Standards for Grades of Mushrooms, at the industry’s request, to align with current marketing trends and provide industry with uniformity when marketing mushrooms.
Announcement for Section 32 Purchase of Canned Peaches, Concord Grape Juice, Fresh Mandarins, Pork, Prunes, Raisins, Walnuts, and Wild-Caught Shrimp
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Canned Peaches, Concord Grape Juice, Fresh Mandarins, Pork, Prunes, Raisins, Walnuts, and Wild-Caught Shrimp products for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (Section 32).
USDA Announces $156 Million Food Purchase to Support U.S. Producers and Strengthen America’s Food Supply
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its intent to purchase up to $156 million in agricultural commodities from American farmers and producers to distribute to schools and food banks across the country.
These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.
USDA to Conduct a Second Continuance Referendum for the Christmas Tree Research and Promotion Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will conduct a second referendum among eligible Christmas tree domestic producers and importers to decide whether to continue their research and promotion order. Dates will be announced after consultation with the Real Christmas Tree Board.
Blueberry Industry Votes to Continue National Research and Promotion Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that U.S. highbush blueberry producers and importers approved continuing the Blueberry Promotion, Research and Information Order.
In the referendum, held from July 13-24, 2026, 58% of producers and importers, representing 84% of the volume represented in the referendum, voted in favor of continuing the order. For the program to continue, it must be favored by a majority of producers and importers voting in the referendum, who also represent a majority of the volume of blueberries represented in the referendum.
California Kiwifruit Growers Vote to Terminate the Federal Marketing Order
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that California kiwifruit growers voted to terminate their marketing order program.
In a referendum held May 18 through June 8, 2026, 56% of voting kiwifruit growers, representing 83% of the production volume voted in the referendum, favored termination. For the marketing order to continue, a majority of growers voting, or growers representing a majority of the volume, must have voted in favor of continuance.