The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today introduced new resources to help local and regional food systems leaders prepare and respond to disruptions to their food systems. Through the Local and Regional Food System (LRFS) Recovery and Resilience project USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) worked with university and community partners to document local and regional food systems’ responses to disruptions including the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme climate events.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Florida citrus producers voted to amend the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos grown in Florida.

In a referendum held April 1-May1, all amendments met the requirement of being favored by two-thirds of the producers voting, or by two-thirds of the volume represented. The vote outcome for each amendatory change is:

1.    Amendment 1 – “Reduce the size of the Committee from 18 to 10 members by amending §§ 905.14 and 905.19”

What are my requirements for administering my grant? 

You must follow the requirements provided in the Notice of Funding, which refers to your grant’s General Terms and Conditions. 

The FLSP Program offers no-cost access to technical assistance (TA) to support participant success in the pilot. USDA has established cooperative agreements focusing on three key program areas, including one dedicated to TA for potential applicant employers and grantees of the program.  

Learn more about the Research and Evaluation & the Know Your Rights and Resources cooperative agreements on the FLSP Partnerships page.

H2-A Program Technical Assistance

The USDA Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) supports agricultural employers in implementing robust labor standards to promote a safe, healthy work environment for both U.S. workers and workers hired under the seasonal H-2A visa program. The program is funded by the Farm Service Agency and will be administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center.

Pilot Program Update

Applications will be accepted for SEASONAL Bale Press Operator positions beginning September 30, 2024.  To apply, go to the Lubbock Cotton Classification Complex at 120 Texas Tech Parkway, Lubbock, TX 79409.  For any questions, please contact the Lubbock Classing Office, telephone number (806) 283-9400 Applications will not be accepted after 3:00 p.m. on November 1st, 2024.