USDA

Tribes in southwest Rhode Island, including Dawn and Cassius Spears of Ashawaug Farm, cultivate Narragansett heritage crops but face challenges expanding due to cuts in USDA programs under the Trump administration. The Biden administration introduced two pandemic-era programs (LFPA and LFS) to support tribal and local food purchases, but these were ended in 2025 under the Trump administration. Senators Jack Reed and Jim Justice proposed a new bill to create a permanent grant program for state and tribal food purchases.

The USDA killed 550 geese in a planned cull at an Alabama neighborhood's request due to overpopulation, with the HOA citing health concerns and past deaths linked to avian flu. The cull followed threats against agents and board members, prompting FBI and police investigations, and the HOA plans to enforce no feeding, harass geese, and continue egg oiling to prevent future overpopulation.

The USDA killed 550 geese at an Alabama neighborhood's request to address overpopulation, which had reached five times the safe threshold. The Heritage Plantation HOA cited health concerns and prior deaths from avian flu, while facing death threats and protests over the cull.

The USDA killed 550 geese at the request of Alabama's Heritage Plantation HOA due to overpopulation exceeding safe thresholds. The cull followed prior nonlethal efforts and health concerns linked to avian flu, with threats against HOA members and USDA agents prompting security measures.

California has banned 'Sell By' labels to reduce food waste, standardizing expiration date language to decrease confusion about food safety. The U.S.D.A. reports over one-third of food sold in the U.S. is wasted.

State and local governments provided over $500 million in tax subsidies to meat processing companies since 2006, with eight companies dominating U.S. meat production. Subsidies aimed to create 69,037 jobs across 805 deals, but employment in the industry declined from 118,000 to 71,000 between 2006 and 2023.

Virginia is experiencing a major heatwave this week, with additional headlines covering efforts to revamp Petersburg's schools, rising health insurance premiums, USDA approval for farmers affected by a freeze, and fishermen rescuing a 700-pound leatherback turtle from crab pot ropes.

Arkansas will implement a ban on using SNAP benefits to purchase candy and soda starting this week, despite a recent federal court ruling that invalidated similar restrictions in other states. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited public health concerns, including obesity and diabetes, as the rationale for the policy, which aligns with a federal campaign advocating for healthier food choices.

A federal district court ruled that the USDA exceeded its legal authority by restricting certain foods from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The court's decision prevents the USDA from excluding specific 'junk food' items from SNAP benefits.

The USDA has alerted Kroger shoppers about mislabeled Private Selection Honey Dijon chicken breasts, which list ingredients for a different product and omit a required egg allergen warning. The issue involves incorrect labeling that could pose a risk to consumers with egg allergies.

The USDA has opened a $21 million facility to produce millions of sterile flies to combat rising cases of a flesh-eating livestock parasite. The initiative aims to prevent the spread of screwworms, which threaten livestock health.

The USDA has opened a new $21 million facility to produce millions of sterile flies aimed at combating rising cases of a flesh-eating livestock parasite.

The USDA has opened a $21 million facility to produce millions of sterile flies to combat rising cases of screwworm, a flesh-eating livestock parasite. The initiative aims to prevent the spread of the parasite through the release of sterile flies.

A USDA Inspector General warned Congress that SNAP food stamp fraud is linked to terrorist groups, foreign adversaries, and criminal organizations, with schemes like EBT card skimming and trafficking stealing benefits from vulnerable recipients. The hearing highlighted Republican efforts to address fraud and waste in the $100 billion program, while Democrats raised concerns about potential cuts to food assistance.

The USDA Inspector General warned Congress that SNAP food stamp fraud is linked to individuals associated with terrorist groups, foreign adversaries, and criminal organizations. He highlighted schemes like EBT card skimming and trafficking, which divert benefits to illicit uses such as purchasing drugs and firearms, harming legitimate recipients. House Republicans argue data-sharing gaps allow billions in fraud, while Democrats caution against potential cuts to food assistance.

Minnesota faces potential millions in fines for rising payment errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with a 56% increase in overpayment rates compared to the previous year. A USDA report ranks the state in the top half for SNAP overpayments in the 2025 Fiscal Year, risking financial penalties starting in October 2027.

The USDA released 2025 SNAP payment error rates, showing Wisconsin and eight other states with rates below 6% will avoid federal penalties requiring states to match 5-15% of benefits costs. Wisconsin’s 5.72% error rate will save up to $205 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year, while 18 states with higher error rates face penalties or must invest in error reduction.

Colorado City has received a $15.9 million grant from the USDA to improve water infrastructure, including a pre-treatment system and addressing past water quality issues.

The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly not seen in the U.S. for nearly 60 years, has been detected in Texas and New Mexico. Pennsylvania implemented quarantine measures but state and federal veterinarians assured lawmakers the threat is limited due to the parasite's treatability and containment strategies.

The USDA is recalling thousands of pounds of frozen meatloaf due to an undeclared soy allergen. Power Plate Meals LLC is conducting the recall after a state inspector discovered soy was omitted from the product's ingredients list.

A study links ultra-processed foods to chronic diseases and emphasizes the need for policy changes and local food systems. Omaha nonprofit No More Empty Pots addresses food access disparities by teaching gardening and cooking skills and distributing locally produced food through partnerships and community programs.

A lack of access to fresh food contributes to poor diets and diet-related diseases, according to the USDA. A new study links ultra-processed foods to chronic diseases and advocates for policy changes and local food systems. Omaha nonprofit No More Empty Pots addresses food access by teaching gardening, partnering with local producers, and distributing fresh food.

A lack of access to fresh food contributes to poor diets and health issues, according to the USDA. A study links ultra-processed foods to chronic diseases, urging policy changes and support for local food systems. Omaha nonprofit No More Empty Pots addresses food access by teaching gardening, cooking, and partnering with local producers to distribute fresh food.

GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reducing U.S. consumption of carbon-intensive foods like red meat and sugary drinks, leading to significant declines in food-system emissions. Clinical data shows users cut calorie intake by 21% and grocery spending by 5–6%, with Wall Street projecting billions in lost food sales by 2030. The shift aligns with federal dietary guidelines and could surpass climate policy in reducing emissions.

The USDA has updated its border policy to allow pet owners to bring their dogs into Mexico, provided specific requirements are met. This change facilitates travel for pet owners across the southern border.

The USDA has updated its border policy to permit dog owners to bring their pets into Mexico across the southern border, provided specific requirements are met.

The USDA is now allowing dog owners to bring their pets across the southern border into Mexico, under certain requirements.

The USDA has updated its border policy to permit dog owners to bring their pets into Mexico through the southern border under specific requirements. This change allows pet travel across the border with conditions set by the USDA.

Beef prices in the U.S. remain at record highs, with ground beef reaching $6.90 per pound in April and steaks averaging $12.80 per pound in May. The American Farm Bureau Federation predicts prices will stay elevated until 2028 due to a 75-year low in cattle inventory caused by drought, high interest rates, and rising production costs, combined with surging consumer demand for protein-rich diets.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) faces potential budget cuts under the Trump administration, threatening its ability to support farmers like River Queen Greens who use cover crops to improve soil health. The USDA's proposed budget would eliminate $700 million in technical assistance, reducing staff by 3,000 nationwide, including a drastic cut in Louisiana from 37 to five full-time employees. Over 500 farmers have urged Congress and the administration to prioritize NRCS staffing.

Texas universities and research institutions have received USDA funding to prevent the spread of the New World Screwworm, a parasite harmful to livestock and wildlife. The federal funding aims to support detection and control research efforts.

The New World screwworm, eradicated from the U.S. for 60 years, has reemerged in Texas via cartel-controlled smuggling corridors in Mexico. Mexican cartels use illegal livestock trade to bypass inspections, spreading the parasite through infested cattle. The U.S. has closed southern border livestock imports to prevent further spread, while Mexico increased processed beef exports.

The USDA is investing $105 million in 40 projects to enhance detection and response capabilities against the New World screwworm. This initiative aims to protect livestock and strengthen U.S. agriculture defenses.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) lost over 2,500 staff members in six months due to federal budget cuts under the Trump administration, with Louisiana set to lose 32 of its 37 full-time employees. Farmers in New Orleans, including River Queen Greens, rely on NRCS funding for cover crop seeds but face delays and reduced support, prompting over 500 farmers to sign a letter urging Congress to prioritize staffing.

The Trump administration announced the USDA's Great American Cotton Plan to restore U.S. dominance in cotton production, highlighting efforts to promote domestic consumption, increase production through tax cuts, and address unfair foreign trade practices. The plan includes initiatives like Plant Not Plastic to emphasize cotton's health benefits over synthetics, with Arizona's Pima cotton as a focal point.

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in the United States, with cases in New Mexico and Texas affecting animals including cattle, dogs, and goats. The larvae infest wounds in living animals and humans, causing severe health risks and potentially raising grocery prices due to economic impacts on livestock.

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in the U.S., affecting animals in New Mexico and Texas. Larvae burrow into wounds of livestock, pets, and humans, causing severe infections. Officials warn of potential economic impacts through higher grocery prices if the infestation spreads.

The New World Screwworm (NWS) has been confirmed in a Texas calf, prompting USDA action to prevent spread. Federal officials reported six cases by June 11, with measures including sterile male fly releases and quarantine zones. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized the USDA's response, citing the pest's rapid advance from Mexico.

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in New Mexico and Texas, affecting livestock, pets, and wildlife. Larvae infest wounds, causing severe health risks and economic concerns. Cases include cattle, dogs, and a goat, with potential impacts on grocery prices.

The New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, has been confirmed in the U.S., affecting animals in New Mexico and Texas. The larvae infest wounds, causing severe health risks to livestock, pets, and humans, with potential economic impacts on grocery prices.