U.S. Department of Agriculture

The Trump administration plans to rescind protections on tens of millions of wild acres by filing a rule to end the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Brooke Rollins initiated this move, citing wildfire prevention as the reason for rescinding prohibitions on road construction and logging across about 30% of U.S. Forest Service lands. However, experts like Chris Dunn argue that research shows most wildfires start near roads, countering the claim that repealing protections will improve forest health.

Mexican avocado pickers resumed exports to the United States after U.S. authorities lifted a security alert in Michoacán state. While workers celebrated returning to paid work, producers noted that fears of ongoing violence and crime remain high, with criminal groups making money through extortion and robbery in the region.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Customs collaborated on an effort using drones. This joint initiative was implemented to help fight the New World screwworm.

Mexican avocado exports to the United States resumed after U.S. authorities lifted a temporary security alert, allowing workers in Michoacán to restart operations. While the resumption brought relief and wages back, producers face continued threats from active criminal groups and extortion fees in the region. Some industry figures expressed caution, fearing that stability might not last long.

Mexican avocado exports resumed after U.S. authorities lifted a temporary security alert concerning Michoacán, Mexico's main avocado-producing state. While operations returned to full speed with USDA inspectors certifying the fruit, workers expressed relief at returning to work. However, the article highlights persistent threats from numerous local cartels and ongoing issues of extortion in the region.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over 440 pounds of seed cotton from a family traveling to the U.S. from Afghanistan at Dulles International Airport. Agents deemed the raw cotton a threat to domestic agriculture because it still contained seeds and could harbor pests, necessitating specific permits and treatments for import.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman held a markup hearing on his version of the Farm Bill, but the measure failed to move forward due to a 10-11 vote against it. Although debates over SNAP funding are blocking passage, the legislation governs vast agricultural policy and contains crucial provisions for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect broadband program.

Margee Green advocated for state grants through the Louisiana Food Policy Council to help local farmers scale up after federal funding programs were cut. Lawmakers eventually appropriated $3 million for direct farm purchasing, but the state later reduced this allocation by two-thirds, diverting funds away from the council.

Georgia farmers are facing issues receiving compensation for damages caused by Hurricane Helene, nearly two years after the storm hit. Farmers who purchased federal hurricane insurance report that their claims have not been paid out, despite existing eligibility criteria tied to sustained hurricane-force winds. Officials acknowledge that uncompensated losses could be as high as $10 million.

Despite Vermont boasting more farmers markets per resident than any state in the nation, most struggle to attract vendors because farm sales have dropped drastically, with average agricultural sales falling by nearly 60% between 2022 and 2025. This financial challenge is causing a quiet reordering of local food purchasing habits, pushing growers toward options like community supported agriculture shares and direct-to-farm stands for steadier income.

The U.S. State Department suspended government activities in Michoacan due to threats from cartels, gangs, and criminal organizations, designating it a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ area. This suspension included halting avocado inspections necessary for export. The western state of Michoacan is noted as a leading exporter of avocados but also has a high level of organized crime activity.

Louisiana's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients dropped by 21% since June 2025, with 166,000 fewer people receiving benefits. The decline is attributed to procedural issues like incomplete documentation rather than work requirements or citizenship verification under recent welfare cuts. A single mother in Baton Rouge reported losing benefits due to a caseworker error, highlighting systemic challenges.

Illinois launched the FRESH program to provide $400 one-time food benefits to households losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility due to federal changes. The program, funded with $70 million from the 2027 budget, aims to assist approximately 150,000 people affected by new work requirements established by Congress.

The US Department of Agriculture rescinded a Biden administration rule, reinstating a Trump-era policy that could revoke Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility for parents who refuse to pay child support. The move may save taxpayers more than... according to The Post.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a public health alert for Red's Steak Cilantro and Lime Burritos distributed to Costco locations in Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota due to an undeclared egg allergen. The alert warns of potential health risks for individuals with egg allergies.

The U.S. will resume cattle imports from Mexico via Agua Prieta, Sonora, after suspending them in May 2025 due to New World Screwworm (NWS) concerns. The reopening depends on Mexico enforcing internal movement controls and adhering to a Joint Action Plan, with phased port openings starting August 24. The move aims to offset U.S. herd shortages and provide economic relief for ranchers.

Pennsylvania officials have implemented a quarantine to prevent the New World screwworm fly, a flesh-eating parasite attacking livestock, from entering the state. The fly, which reemerged in the U.S. after being eradicated, has caused 42 cases since June 3, primarily in Texas and New Mexico. Dr. Erin Luley, Pennsylvania assistant state veterinarian, emphasized the potential devastation to livestock industries and the need for proactive measures.

A federal judge in Minnesota is hesitant to dismiss the state's lawsuit challenging the USDA's attempt to freeze its SNAP funding. The USDA argues the lawsuit was premature as no funds have been withheld, while Minnesota claims the USDA bypassed proper procedures. Judge Laura Provinzino suggested the USDA's demand letters constituted final agency action but questioned whether the case remains viable due to the lack of actual funding cuts.

The USDA has allocated $35 million to control feral hogs in Concordia, Madison, and Tensas parishes in Louisiana to mitigate crop and land damage. Local officials highlight the challenges of managing the rapidly growing hog population, which causes an average of $91 million in annual damage.

Illinois lost the most Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff in 2025, with 51 county staff cuts across 41 counties, according to a National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition report. The reductions followed federal workforce cuts under the USDA, impacting local support for farmers during a crisis.

Experts warn that discarding food solely based on expiration dates is often unnecessary, as these labels typically indicate quality rather than safety. California has introduced a law simplifying date labels to two categories, while over 50 different labels exist in the U.S., causing confusion. Food scientists emphasize that many products remain safe to consume past labeled dates, with storage methods and product type affecting shelf life.

The US Department of Agriculture will begin a phased reopening of cattle imports from Mexico starting August 24, 2026, at the Douglas, Arizona port of entry. Only cattle born and raised in Mexico’s Sonora state will be allowed, and the move is expected to benefit JBS.

The Trump administration's proposed USDA reorganization aims to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices. Union leaders and former USDA officials argue the plan will cause widespread layoffs and harm the department's ability to manage pests, diseases, food safety, and wildfire response.

Pennsylvania launched a $10M grant program to help fruit growers recover from crop losses caused by an April freeze. Farmers like Strites’ Orchard reported significant losses, including 90% of apricots and 80% of peaches, with the program aimed at offsetting financial impacts.

USDA union leaders oppose the Trump administration's plan to relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices, warning of widespread layoffs and reduced capacity to address core functions like food safety and pest control. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to cut the department's D.C. workforce to 2,000 by 2025, with regional offices in cities including Raleigh, Kansas City, and Salt Lake City.

The U.S. will begin reopening southern cattle ports closed in May due to a New World Screwworm outbreak. The USDA announced a phased reopening, starting with the Douglas, Ariz., port on August 24.

The U.S. will begin a phased reopening of southern cattle ports in August following a May shutdown due to a New World Screwworm outbreak. The USDA announced the Douglas, Ariz., livestock port will reopen on Aug. 24.

U.S. grocery prices have risen sharply post-pandemic but remain slow to decline, a phenomenon economists call 'rockets and feathers.' Prices peaked at 11.4% in 2022 and are projected to rise 2.7% this year, with factors like high gas prices and reduced government aid affecting spending. Consumers are shifting to discount retailers and store brands to save money.

U.S. grocery prices have surged post-pandemic ('rockets') but remain elevated despite slowed inflation ('feathers'), with a 2.7% annual rise expected. Consumers are shifting to discount retailers and store brands amid persistent high costs, driven by factors like the U.S.-Iran conflict and reduced government food aid.

U.S. grocery prices have surged post-pandemic ('rockets effect') but remain elevated despite easing inflation. Prices rose 11.4% in 2022 and are projected to increase 2.7% this year, with factors like high gas prices and reduced government food aid slowing consumer spending. Shoppers are shifting to discounters and store brands to mitigate costs.

The United States will begin lifting its suspension of Mexican cattle imports starting Aug. 24 at the Douglas, Arizona border crossing, following a year-long ban due to the New World screwworm outbreak in Mexico. Despite the reopening, the parasite has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, with over 30 cases reported, and Mexico continues to face 1,792 active cases across 29 states.

The Trump administration's proposed USDA reorganization aims to relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices, sparking opposition from union leaders who warn of layoffs and reduced capacity to address critical issues like food safety and wildfire response. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins' plan, outlined in a July 2025 memo, seeks to limit D.C. staff to 2,000, but critics argue it will harm the department's operational effectiveness.

USDA union leaders and former officials oppose the Trump administration's proposal to downsize the Washington, D.C., headquarters and relocate over 2,500 employees to five regional offices, warning of potential layoffs and reduced capacity for critical services. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to limit D.C. staff to 2,000 by 2025, with regional offices in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.

USDA union leaders oppose a Trump administration proposal to close the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to regional offices, warning of layoffs and reduced capacity for core USDA functions. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to limit D.C. staffing to 2,000 by 2025, with regional offices in cities like Raleigh and Kansas City. Critics argue the move exacerbates existing workforce losses and hampers wildfire response and food safety efforts.

USDA union leaders oppose the Trump administration's proposal to relocate over 2,500 employees from Washington, D.C., to five regional offices, warning of widespread layoffs and reduced agency capabilities. The reorganization, led by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, aims to limit D.C. staff to 2,000 by 2025, with offices in Raleigh, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, and Salt Lake City.

The Trump administration rejected the UN's Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Livestock Transformation due to its frequent references to gender equality. U.S. officials argued that terms like 'gender' and 'climate change' were ambiguous and detracted from core agricultural goals, while the plan was ultimately adopted by other delegates.

Dr. Anthony Fauci will testify about funding gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab. The lab-leak hypothesis is predominant among the public and U.S. agencies. White Coat Waste investigations exposed U.S. and Chinese labs conducting animal experiments, including cruel tests on cats and other animals.

California and federal agriculture officials have declared a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation in and around San Jose eradicated, lifting a 241-square-mile quarantine that was in place for nearly a year. The announcement was made by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the agricultural commissioners for Santa Clara and Alameda counties.

Jon Ossoff criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for ending the CDC's tracking of parasitic infections including cyclospora. The decision suspended tracking managed by the CDC, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Louisiana residents receiving SNAP benefits can now purchase hot meals or prepared foods through Aug. 13 due to a temporary waiver following Tropical Storm Arthur. The waiver, approved by the USDA, applies statewide and does not provide additional funding, as the state prepares for a second approaching storm, Tropical Storm Bertha.