USDA Blog

Three years ago this week, on February 12, 2009, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commemorated President Lincoln’s 200th birthday by creating the first USDA People's Garden at the “People’s Department.” This People’s Garden at Department headquarters in Washington D.C., initially started as an...

We know that America's farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation's economy, producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that continue to help us grow. There are hundreds of programs and resources available to help meet these efforts. However, sometimes it’s hard to know where to...

What is the Lorax? And why do we care? And why had the U.S. Forest Service taken us from the far reaches of the forests to the carpets of Hollywood? Ask the Chief. He will be there. He knows.

Over the years, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has changed and evolved to meet the regulatory, statutory and market demands of U.S. agriculture. The agency’s role, its name and place within the structure of USDA have all evolved over the years. What hasn’t changed is the commitment...

Last week, President Obama and I announced our proposal for USDA’s budget next year. We are focused on building a strong American economy that will maintain a basic promise for middle class: if you work hard, you can do well enough to raise a family, own a home, and put a little away for retirement...

USDA’s 2012 Agricultural Outlook Forum on Feb. 24 will present five choices for outstanding speakers at the Friday luncheons. Donnie Smith, President and CEO of Tyson Foods, Inc. will address “Perspectives on U.S. Meat and Poultry Production;” Thomas Dorr, President and CEO , U.S. Grains Council...

During the school year, nearly 32 million children receive a free or reduced price lunch through the National School Lunch Program. During the summer months most schools - and school meal programs - close down, leaving children without an opportunity for nutritious meals each day.

Food safety and the prevention of food borne illness is a priority across the food supply chain in the United States. With the development of better notification systems and increased consumer awareness of food safety, there is a need for greater accountability and for consistent standards and...

Today, rural homeowners in 19 states across the nation are getting some much-needed and long-awaited help to cope with declining home values and a sluggish housing market. Secretary Vilsack announced today a pilot program to help rural borrowers with loans made or guaranteed by USDA refinance their...

USDA’s 2012 Agricultural Outlook Forum, Feb. 23-24, will commemorate the 150th anniversary of USDA’s founding in 1862. Secretary Tom Vilsack will moderate a panel of former Secretaries of Agriculture ─ Ed Schafer, Senator Mike Johanns, Ann Veneman, Dan Glickman, Mike Espy, Clayton Yeutter, John...