The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order for California walnuts.  The hearing took place on April 19-20, 2022, via zoom audio-video conference to enable individuals to participate remotely.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the establishment of the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) audit service for produce distribution centers.  The GMP audit service will replace the current section of the USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audit that applies to distribution centers.  The new GMP audit service will be available for AMS audits starting June 1, 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh Nectarines, Fresh and Frozen Peaches, and Fresh Plums 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, with the purpose to encourage the continued domestic consumption of these products by diverting them from the normal channels of trade and commerce.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the publication of the details of three requests for information regarding seeds and agricultural inputs, fertilizer, and retail markets in the Federal Register on March 17. The publication of the RFIs opens USDA’s public inquiry to address growing competition concerns in the agricultural supply chain announced on March 11.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking three nominees for the Christmas Tree Promotion Board. Seats open for nominees are one western region producer, one central region producer, and one eastern region producer. USDA will appoint members to serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2023 and ending Dec. 31, 2025. Nominations for these seats are due to the board by June 1, 2022.

The Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products. The primary goals of LAMP are to:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of six members to serve on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee beginning April 1, 2022.

Members appointed for a three year term include:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking six nominees for the Hass Avocado Board. Seats open for nominees are two producer and one importer seat for members and two producer and one importer seat for alternates. USDA will appoint members and alternates to serve three-year terms beginning Nov. 1, 2022.

Nominations for these seats are due to the board by March 30, 2022. The board engages an independent certified public accounting firm to conduct an industry vote to choose nominees to be considered for appointment by USDA.