USDA Launches Food Hub Operator’s Toolkit

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has launched Many Hats – A Food Hub Operator’s Toolkit, a central depot of resources to support food hub leaders. The toolkit was developed through a partnership with the University of Vermont and Michigan State University to build upon existing knowledge of food hubs and understand the many roles of food hub operators, from start up, to expansion, to innovation.  

USDA Proposes Rule to Establish Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages of Scotch and Native Spearmint Oil for the 2025-2026 Marketing Year

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting comments on a proposed rule to establish the quantity of each class of spearmint oil produced in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and parts of Nevada and Utah (Far West) that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, producers during the 2025-2026 marketing year.

USDA Announces $72.9 Million in Grant Funding Awarded through Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $72.9 million in grant funding awarded to 56 states and territories for 586 projects through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, education, and research. The program is administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).

USDA Sets Dates for Mango Research and Promotion Program Continuance Referendum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today it will conduct a referendum Oct. 22-Nov. 12, 2025, for eligible first handlers and importers of mangos to decide whether to continue their research and promotion program.

First handlers and importers who are engaged in handling or importing 500,000 pounds or more of mangos at the time of the referendum and during the representative period of Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024, are eligible to vote. The order will continue if it is favored by a majority of first handlers and importers voting in the referendum.

USDA Announces $3.38 Million in Grant Funding Awarded through Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $3.38 million in grant funding awarded to three organizations through the Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program (BPMGP). The program will strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of bison and bison products in the United States through business and resource development, and the advancement of innovative approaches to solving long-term needs in the bison sector. Awards will go to Mad Agriculture, National Bison Association, and Flower Hill Institute.

USDA Opens Annual U.S. Grain Exporter Registration for 2026

On Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) opened the annual U.S. grain exporter registration period and waiver requests for the 2026 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.

USDA Proposes Revisions to Seven U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Tomato Products

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking public comments on its proposal to revise seven U.S. grade standards for canned tomato products (U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Tomatoes, Tomato Ketchup, Tomato Sauce, Tomato Juice, Canned Tomato Paste, Canned Tomato Puree, and Concentrated Tomato Juice).

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