USDA News Summary:
ICYMI, here's what happened last week at USDA:
In the month of May, our focus will be on the many ways that USDA is modernizing its efforts to achieve better results for the farmers, ranchers, small businesses and families that we’ve pledged to serve—through new innovations, making operations more cost-effective, helping beginning farmers and supporting an American agriculture community that is increasingly diverse.
Throughout the week, USDA celebrated National Public Service Week – a week dedicated to recognizing the sometimes-overlooked contributions and hard work of federal employees across the world. To show his appreciation for the employees of USDA and their efforts to build a more modern and efficient Department, Secretary Vilsack penned an op-ed and recorded a short video with a simple message: Thank you for all that you do.
Last week, Secretary Vilsack traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to meet his counterparts at the G20 Agriculture Ministers Meeting. The meeting focused on tackling the modern challenges of feeding a growing global population including resources and climate change and outlined major strategic goals to increase food security around the world. You can read the final communiqué from that meeting on our website.
We also called for proposals for an investment of up to $235 million for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, this innovative strategy is new way of thinking about conservation -- looking regionally at partnering local organizations with farmers, ranchers and forest landowners to design specific solutions that work best for their region.
Lastly, we announced the availability of up to $3.3 million in funding to help farmers markets upgrade and modernize their technology so that they can accept SNAP benefits. This effort will help to expand the number of farmers markets that sell produce to low-income families. Those investments aim to build on the more than 6,200 farmers markets and direct marketing firms that currently use technology to accept SNAP benefits, helping USDA to expand access to nutritious food for more families across the country.
In case you missed it last week, this is how we’ve been celebrating a more modern USDA, ready to serve you.
The Week in Pictures
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack attends the General Session of the G20 Ministerial Meeting at the Grand Tarabya Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey
The Northern Plains Climate Hub provides stakeholders with an introduction to the region
A new, interactive map lets you compare current snowpack data to historical records
Secretary Vilsack signs an MOU reaffirming the partnership between the USDA and 1890s Universities
All images available in Flickr.
On the USDA Blog
Former USDA/1890’s Scholarship Recipient Makes Career in Public Health at USDA
On Wednesday, Secretary Vilsack signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of 1890 Universities, reaffirming USDA’s partnership with all 19 1890’s Universities across the country. Through this memorandum the USDA is able to put forth a collaborative effort to encourage more opportunities for students and graduates to work at the USDA or in careers related to food, agricultural science and natural resources.
USDA Pilots New Strategy to Recruit Minority Serving Institution Graduates
As we’ve celebrated Public Service Recognition Week this week, Secretary Vilsack and employees all across the government have shared what an honor it is to work as a public servant. But, it’s no secret that the federal hiring process is a lengthy one, which can be especially frustrating for recent graduates eager to begin careers upon earning their degrees.
Interactive Map Compares Past and Present Snowpack – Western Snowpack Levels Very Low
Western snowpack, where it remains, is in full melt. All along the Cascades and Sierra Nevada are ski courses that never opened, bare mountains and snowless SNOTEL sites where snowpack is measured. Where snow accumulated, it melted prematurely during a warm March.
USDA Celebrates Mothers, Farmers, and Industry Leaders
In honor of Mother’s Day, USDA thanks the nearly 100 wonderful women growers and handlers for dedicating their time and service to their respective industries through our federal fruit and vegetable marketing order committees and boards. We spoke to a few about being a farmer, mother, and marketing order industry leader.
Training Pipeline Quenches Dairy’s Thirst for College Grads
USDA’s mission includes working with land grant universities, including minority serving institutions, to ensure continued education in agricultural is available to help fill anticipated demand for knowledgeable employees. Earlier this week, the Secretary signed an agreement continuing USDA’s support for Historically Black 1890’s Land-Grant Universities.
In Their Own Words: Secretary Vilsack, Students Reflect on the Future of American Agriculture
During this year’s Agricultural Outlook Forum, Secretary Vilsack sat down with college students participating in the Forum’s Student Diversity Program. Many former participants have gone on to achieve great things in the field of agriculture, which will come as no surprise after you hear what this year’s students told Secretary Vilsack about the future of agriculture and their role in it.
USDA Supports Production Research, Helping the Walnut Industry Thrive
Production research is critical for the success of plants for a number of reasons. The resulting data helps growers adjust to the needs of the plant environment and develop best practices to efficiently use water and energy, mitigate pest damage, minimize diseases, and improve productivity.
Keep Striking from the Top: Inspirational Words for 2015 Florida A&M University
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of providing the commencement address for Florida A&M University’s spring 2015 graduates. As a designated 1890 historically black land-grant university, FAMU plays a critical role in teaching students to meet the high quality, innovative research needs that are vital to the well-being of our nation and the world.
USDA Celebrates the Public Service of 12 Unsung Heroes
Every day, USDA employees are hard at work providing safe, nutritious food for our families and children; conserving our land and natural resources; supporting our nation’s farmers and ranchers; expanding market opportunities for American agriculture at home and abroad; and investing in our rural economies.
USDA Strengthens Partnership with 1890s Universities
Congress enacted the Second Morrill Act, creating a group of African-American land-grant universities, in the year 1890. Today – 125 years later – USDA maintains a close, supportive and cooperative relation with these 19 schools located in 18 states that are commonly known as “1890 Universities.
Measuring Environmental Effects of Conservation Practices
As an agricultural statistician at USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), collecting and distributing reliable data are the most important things I do. The data we provide help shape many key decisions about all sorts of things related to agriculture, including conservation practices.
Honduran Agronomy Students Tour Unique USDA Laboratory
This was not your typical class trip. The group of agriculture students from Honduras who visited USDA’s National Soil Dynamics Laboratory (NSDL) in Auburn, Alabama, were given tours of a one-of-a kind research facility that features, among other things, 13 soil bins, about the length of football fields, that look like huge outdoor bowling lanes.
With USDA Support, Aging Utah Dams to be Revitalized
In the 1950s and 60s USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), working with state, local governments and partners, designed and built many dams across the United States for flood and sediment control and water storage. Many of these dams are coming to the end of their design life.
$1 Billion Invested in Rural Health Care Across 13 States
In late 2011, the President announced a White House Rural Council initiative lead by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in rural health and link rural doctors and hospitals to financing for health IT. The initiative was designed to address the need for financing to support the adoption of health IT systems in rural communities.
Direct Certification Improves Low-Income Children’s Access to Healthy School Meals, Boosts Program Efficiency
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is committed to helping America’s children get the nutritious food they need to learn and grow. Direct certification for school meals is one important strategy to make that possible for the low-income children. This process links student enrollment records to states’ SNAP & TANF program data, so children receiving SNAP or TANF can be directly certified for free school meals without having to submit additional paperwork through applications.
Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub Vulnerability Assessment Published
With the publication of the Northern Plains Regional Vulnerability Assessment, the Northern Plains Hub is providing stakeholders with an introduction to the region, regional sensitivities and adaptation strategies for working lands, a greenhouse gas emissions profile with mitigation opportunities, and an overview of how partner USDA agencies are being affected by a changing climate.
USDA TV
USDA Week in Review - May 8, 2015
Read about us in the News
Ag Secretary Vilsack announces $235 million for conservation (AP)
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Monday announced up to $235 million in funding for conservation projects to protect water quality and combat the drought that is ravaging parts of the West. The money is the second phase of the Agriculture Department’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which was created by last year’s farm bill. In January, the agency distributed $394 million in the program’s first round.
Colorado begins $3.4 million effort to save ag water, use it to make power (Denver Post)
Colorado is embarking on a federally backed $3.4 million experiment to transform the flood irrigation farmers use to grow crops: tapping diverted water more efficiently and generating electricity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off the "small hydropower" project Monday in Denver and announced $235 million in new federal grants nationwide to spur innovation around water, soil and drought.
Tom Vilsack: Why We Serve (Federal Times)
As Secretary of Agriculture, I am inspired to serve because of the people I've met during my more than six years of service who have been positively impacted by U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and staff. There are people like the families living in rural Putnam and White counties in Tennessee. Until recently, they had to haul water in jugs from individual wells because they did not have running water. Thanks to USDA employees, the communities were able to get a grant that allowed the small town of Monterey, Tennessee, to extend its municipal water supply five miles beyond town limits and bring potable water to its neighbors.
US accuses EU of undermining global food security (Financial Times)
The US has accused the EU of undermining efforts to improve global food security by proposing new rules that would allow any of its 28 member states to opt out of decisions by Brussels to open the door to genetically modified crops. In an interview with the Financial Times, Tom Vilsack, the US agriculture secretary, said the move also raised “serious issues” about the future of transatlantic trade talks.
Washington gives Jordan 100,000 tonnes of wheat worth $25 mln (Reuters)
The United States has given Jordan 100,000 tonnes of wheat as part of broader aid to help its Middle Eastern ally cushion the impact of Syrian refugees on its economy, U.S. officials said on Sunday. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who signed the deal, valued at around $25 million, said the kingdom would be able to sell some of the wheat in the domestic market and use part of the proceeds to implement projects to boost its agricultural sector.
Food wastage an 'enormous' global concern, G20 says (Reuters)
Food wasted by consumers is an enormous economic problem and nations should ensure excess food is given to the hungry instead of being thrown away, agriculture ministers from the Group of 20 leading countries said on Friday.
Passion, failure part of success say FAMU speakers (Tallahassee Democrat)
Students from Florida A&M University and their families participated in two lively graduation ceremonies Saturday which featured high-profile commencement speakers. For the morning ceremony, held at the Al Lawson Center on FAMU campus, Secretary Tom Vilsack of the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave students some perspective on finding their passion in the professional world. “Commencement speeches are always given, but almost always forgotten,” said Vilsack. “The key is for it to be short, and have a simple message…” The message regarding graduates’ passion was clear, but Vilsack also took the opportunity to remind them of their importance to society as stewards of science and agriculture.
USDA's Harden says farmers, policy makers must collaborate on climate change (Agri-Pulse 5/6)
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Krysta Harden used a State Department forum Wednesday to encourage greater collaboration between farmers and policy makers as they try to deal with climate change. “This is a problem, an issue, a challenge - whatever you want to call it - that we've just got to work together on,” Harden said in her keynote address at State Department headquarters in Washington.
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In May, we're using #ModernUSDA to showcase a modern, diverse, efficient USDA providing better results to the people we serve. Follow along!
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) May 4, 2015
For #PSRW, Secretary Vilsack reflects on what inspires him to serve: the dedicated public servants at USDApic.twitter.com/QngDVFFgbE
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) May 8, 2015
Vilsack & Minister of Planning & Internat'l Cooperation Imad Fakhoury sign agreement in Amman http://t.co/1jZm25aej7pic.twitter.com/2difSiwyGC
— USDA Press Team (@USDAPress) May 10, 2015
Local partners can make a big impact! One RCPP project is restoring 20k acres of longleaf pine http://t.co/4i4MHYOyntpic.twitter.com/55fTXKLWdi
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) May 5, 2015
Vilsack: We cannot face #climatechange alone. We are stronger when we work together -- that means adopting climate smart ag solutions. #G20
— Dept. of Agriculture (@USDA) May 8, 2015
"I'm proud to serve because public access to agriculture research will help feed the future." #PSRW pic.twitter.com/chXgdfT48b
— NIFA (@USDA_NIFA) May 7, 2015
Big news from @USDA! 95% of schools are now providing healthier meals for their students → http://t.co/8RlKctsvid
— The First Lady (@FLOTUS) May 7, 2015
Listen
G-20 AG MINISTERS FOCUS ON FOOD SECURITY
Broadcast Date: Friday, May 8, 2015
The Agriculture Secretary joined counterparts in the G-20 in Turkey to discuss ways to build greater global food security. (Rod Bain and Secretary Tom Vilsack)
VILSACK VISITS WITH G-20 COUNTERPARTS
Broadcast Date: Friday, May 8, 2015
One-on-one discussions between the US and other G-20 member nations were a sidelight of the recent agricultural ministers' meeting. (Rod Bain and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack)
WHERE IS ALL THE WESTERN SNOWPACK?
Broadcast Date: Friday, May 8, 2015
More bad news for much of the drought plagued West - many places now have no snowpack for water runoff into reservoirs. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)
ACTUALITY: QUESTIONS ABOUT AG. USE OF DRONES ARE SHIFTING
Broadcast Date: Friday, May 8, 2015
Ken Giles, agricultural engineer at the University of California Davis, saying that the questions and concerns about the use of drones in agriculture have shifted in the last couple of years.
STRENGTH OF OUR STRUCTURES RELY ON SOILS
Broadcast Date: Thursday, May 7, 2015
What type of soil we build on and its properties goes a long way in determining how strong and safe our structure will be. (Rod Bain and Bob Dobos of the Natural Resources Conservation Service)
GROWING BIOFUELS AND BIOFUEL EXPORTS
Broadcast Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
As our nation continues to expand its biofuel industry, there is also expansion into exporting biofuels around the globe. (Rod Bain. Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association. Kurt Schultz of the U.S. Grains Council. Tom Buis of Growth Energy)
TRADE CHALLENGES FOR US RENEWABLE FUEL EXPORTS
Broadcast Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2015
What are some of the issues U.S. renewable fuel exports face when it comes to entering some markets? (Rod Bain. Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association. Anne Steckel of the National Biodiesel Board.)
SNAP ACCESSIBLE FARMERS MARKETS GROW EXPONENTIALLY
Broadcast Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2015
USDA expands funding to support the ability of farmers markets to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. (Susan Carter and Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services)
NEW FUNDING AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE SNAP ACCESS AT FARMERS MARKETS
Broadcast Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Grant applications are being accepted from qualifying farmers market organizations and associations, non-profit entities, state, local and tribal nations and other organizations engaged in farmers market management. (Susan Carter and Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services)
ACTUALITY: MANY CONSERVATION PROJECTS WILL FOCUS ON WATER
Broadcast Date: Monday, May 4, 2015
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack saying that many of USDA's conservation efforts in the Regional Conservation Partnership Program will be focusing on water resources.
MIXED SIGNALS FROM EU ON GE EXPORTS
Broadcast Date: Monday, May 4, 2015
The European Commission has announced a new genetically engineered food import proposal with new policies on approvals of new GE products from the US. (Rod Bain and Patrick Delaney of the American Soybean Association)
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