The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pecans in the Shell and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pecans to reflect current industry descriptions and practices.

The Sauk-Suiattle Tribal Elder Center is a cornerstone of community empowerment, actively sourcing locally produced meats and produce for distribution through the LFPA+ Program. This initiative not only provides fresh, nutritious food but also supports local farmers and producers, fostering a robust sense of unity and solidarity among community and tribal members alike. 

Potato: Potato Research and Promotion Plan: 01/05/1972

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing revisions to the regulations governing the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables and other products. These proposed changes include a per-pound fee structure for certain Section 8e import inspections, a minimum fee equivalent to a 2-hour charge computed at the current established hourly rate, whichever is greater, and a 50 percent reduction to the sublot fee.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will conduct a stakeholder meeting to seek feedback on current swine and pork marketing methods and the USDA AMS Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program.  AMS is interested in receiving views on current swine and pork marketing methods, challenges with reporting market information, general presentation of AMS market news information, and other enhancements the agency can make to meet industry needs.

The meeting will be held August 21-22, 2024, at the:

Summary Information

• Meeting details, presentations, and voting summary 

Certification, Accreditation, and Compliance (CACS)

• Opportunities in Organic - Improving Support for Organic Transition (pdf)

Handling (HS)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments on a proposal to reapportion the United Soybean Board’s member representation by adding a member from New York and removing a member from North Dakota. The proposed adjustment is necessary to reflect shifts in soybean production levels occurring in each state since the last board reapportionment in 2021 and as required by the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act (Act).

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, a federally recognized sovereign nation, awarded $566,240 from the USDA AMS under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, will purchase up to 89,000 pounds of fresh, healthy, and nutritious produce from 35 regional and local socially disadvantaged farmers/producers to help increase their economic resiliency.