USDA

Disaster Designation Comes Amid Efforts By Clinton To Push USDA And Senate Leadership To Take Action And Provide Relief For New York's Farmers

August 13, 2008 -- Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to declare a federal disaster area in response to the damage caused in New York’s Southern Tier by high winds and hail.    » read more »

Urges USDA to Respect Subsidies for Small Farms

August 12, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC—Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in calling on the Bush Administration to implement the 2008 Farm Bill according to the law’s intent and abandon an interpretation that would disadvantage small farms across New York and around the country.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2008 –Department of Agriculture officials will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, July 22 on the establishment of the BioPreferred voluntary labeling program. This program will allow USDA to authorize manufacturers and vendors of qualifying biobased products to use a "USDA Certified Biobased Product" label.

The 2002 Farm Bill established a program for the procurement of biobased products by federal agencies and a voluntary program for labeling of biobased products, later named the BioPreferred Program. The 2008 Farm Bill continues and expands provisions related to the BioPreferred Program.    » read more »

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is seeking members to serve on the Board of Evaluators for the Edward R. Madigan United States Agricultural Export Excellence Award Program. This award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurial efforts to expand U.S. agricultural exports.

"Former Secretary Madigan recognized that strong export growth is vital to the prosperity of rural communities across America," said Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. "Because of his significant contributions to developing market-oriented agricultural policies, this award bearing his name honors those who have made outstanding contributions to U.S. agriculture's export success."    » read more »

Today And Tomorrow

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 30, 2008 -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the operational and support activities of numerous federal agencies in response to continued flooding in the Midwest.

FEMA and its federal partners are working closely with state and local governments as well as with the private sector to support those areas still fighting the floods and to assist those beginning the rebuilding process.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

* Where waters have receded, FEMA disaster assistance workers are providing resources to individuals seeking assistance in the Midwest.    » read more »

May 20, 2008 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today applauded the decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a rule closing a loophole in current law that can result in animals that are too sick to stand entering the food supply.

Cattle at sunset: Photo by Brad Smith (CC)    » read more »

April 18, 2008 -- Lincoln, Neb.-- Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer requesting assistance for Nebraska’s livestock and poultry industries, which have been severely impacted by the growing cost of feed grains.

South Koreans protest US beef imports, Seoul: Photo by doc_ido (CC)    » read more »