The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of twelve members to the Hass Avocado Board. Appointed are three producer members, three producer alternates, two importer members, and two importer alternates to fill three-year terms expiring on Oct. 31, 2029. Additionally, one producer alternate is appointed to fill a previously vacant seat whose term expires on Oct. 31, 2028, and one importer alternate is appointed to fill a vacant seat which expires on Oct. 31, 2027.

Newly appointed members and alternates are:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced the following agencies are designated to provide official services at non-export port locations in specified geographic areas under delegated authority of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA):

On Oct. 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) will open the annual U.S. grain exporter registration period and begin accepting waiver requests for the 2027 calendar year. 

The United States Grain Standards Act, 7 U.S.C. 87f-1, requires registration of people who: 1) are engaged in the business of buying grain for sale in foreign commerce or 2) handle, weigh or transport grain for sale in foreign commerce.

How to Register

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the suspension of the California kiwifruit marketing order provisions.  

Beginning Dec. 31, 2026, handlers will not be required to meet the marketing order’s quality requirements, pack and container requirements, remit assessments, or submit reports on kiwifruit handled during the 2026-2027 crop year.  Due to the suspension of the quality requirements on California kiwifruit, imported kiwifruit will be allowed into the stream of commerce without meeting the import requirements. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $12.65 million in funding is available through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBI). The funding will support regional initiatives that provide technical assistance and subawards to dairy businesses working to develop, produce, market, and distribute dairy products. These initiatives support agricultural businesses that help rural economies thrive and bolster the dairy supply chain, so all Americans have access to quality domestic dairy products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced approximately $2.3 million in grant funding awarded to departments of agriculture in Hawaii, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa through the Mico-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP). 

Funds support projects that promote the maple syrup industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced over $5 million in grant funding awarded to 12 projects across six states to promote the maple syrup industry. The funding is awarded through the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer) and is administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a referendum among eligible Florida citrus producers Oct. 19 through Nov. 9, 2026, to determine their level of support for continuing their federal marketing order.

The order requires USDA to conduct a continuance referendum every six years. To be eligible to vote, producers within the production area must have produced citrus during the period of Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026.

Grades of Canned Blueberries

Beginning Date: May 4, 2027

Ending Date: May 6, 2027   

Location: 
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria
801 North Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-836-4700