The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published a final rule in response to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) which amended the U.S. Grain Standards Act to allow official grain inspection agency (OA) customers to obtain official services from providers other than their assigned OA.

The final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 3, 2023, and becomes effective on August 1, 2023.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for the National Potato Promotion Board to fill 60 board seats with terms that expire February 29, 2024. Nominations are due to the board by August 15, 2023.

Exceptions to Geographic Boundaries

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2020, as required by the rules governing the board. Written comments on the proposed rule must be received by June 1, 2023.

Over 15% of Nebraska’s children were classified as food insecure before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, schools are facing challenges that affect the provision of meals to students. The waivers allowing for free student meals during the pandemic expired; schools continue to report supply chain issues like delayed and unfulfilled deliveries; and the cost of food rose over 10% in the past year. The need is urgent to support schools in nourishing students.

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.

Eligible nominees must have produced domestically or imported more than 500 Christmas trees during the fiscal period of August 1 - July 31, 2022.

The Christmas Tree Promotion Board is seeking nominees for the following seats: