The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing a final rule on salable quantities of Scotch and Native spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and parts of Nevada and Utah. The decision is based on a recommendation from the Far West Spearmint Oil Administrative Committee on the amount of oil handlers may purchase from producers, or handle on their behalf, during the 2022-2023 marketing year.

Since its establishment in 1937, June Dairy Month has been an opportunity to showcase many aspects of dairy:  delicious products, nutrition, and important role in our diet. The contributions of the dairy industry are abundant, from the farmers who care responsibly for their land and their animals to the economic development and livelihoods in communities worldwide. The dairy industry works hard to feed the world and ensure nutritious dairy products are accessible to all.

The Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG) will purchase food from the Farmers’ Cooperative Association of Guam (FCAG), whose members are socially disadvantaged farmers. Members of FCAG are registered, certified and in compliance with the DOAG Bona Fide program. The purchased food items will be distributed directly to the underserved community through an established food bank distribution center; a partnership between DOAG, Government of Guam partners, and a local agriculture advocacy organization.

Through Nourishing Louisiana: Supporting Farmers, Families, and Local Food Systems, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) will partner with Feeding Louisiana, five Feeding America member food banks, non-profit organizations, and community members to support Louisiana producers, with a focus on those who are socially disadvantaged.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) seeks nominations for individuals to serve on the USDA Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. The advisory committee meets no less than once annually to advise AMS on the programs and services it delivers under the U.S. Grain Standards Act.

The Ohio Community Agriculture and Nutrition (CAN) Project will purchase in-demand products from local, socially disadvantaged food suppliers and distribute those products to underserved, food insecure communities. The project will particularly focus on procuring foods included in HER (Healthy Eating Research) Nutrition Guidelines and that meet the dietary needs and preferences of local populations.