California Ag Network

Tag: U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Announces $35 Million to Combat Feral Pigs

    The USDA is making $35 million available for partnerships to counter the threat feral swine pose to American agriculture, landscapes and human and livestock health. This partnership opportunity is part of a broader $105 million investment for the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program, where USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are working together to target feral swine.

    “We are collaborating with our partners at USDA and across the country to help combat feral swine and keep our farms, ranches and landscapes safe,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “These invasive species cause more than $3.4 billion in damage each year, including damage to agricultural landscapes. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, NRCS is able to expand this effort, giving producers and partners more resources to protect working lands and strengthen the long-term resilience of agricultural operations.”

    The Working Families Tax Cuts Act delivers the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, including support for this program.  It continued the program for another five years with the $105 million total investment split between NRCS and APHIS, including the $35 million made available through this announcement.

    Partners are invited to apply for feral swine eradication and control projects in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

    About the Pilot Program

    Feral swine can have significant negative impacts on plant and wildlife habitats, soils, water quality, as well as other natural resources. Livestock and humans are also susceptible to diseases carried by feral swine.

    Partners selected to participate in the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program will provide landowner assistance for restoration and on-farm trapping efforts and provide related services, like training. Funding for these services will be provided through grant agreements between partners and NRCS.

    All projects will be a collaborative and coordinated effort among the selected partner, NRCS, and APHIS.

    Applications will be accepted until Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m. EST. For more information about this funding opportunity and to apply, visit the notice of funding on Grants.gov.

    — Story contributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Delivers Final ‘Farmers First’ Program Improvements

    U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced that the USDA is making significant improvements to its disaster assistance and commodity loan programs as outlined in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act to celebrate the one-year anniversary of President Trump signing the act into law on July 4, 2025. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is strengthening disaster assistance support for livestock producers, orchardists and nursery tree growers, increasing Marketing Assistance Loan rates and expanding Marketing Assistance Loans to better help cotton and sugar producers.    

     ”As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, we also celebrate our all-important farmers,” Rollins said. “The Trump administration is committed to ensuring the economic success of farmers and ranchers who rely on a strong safety net when natural disasters impact their infrastructure or when market prices affect their profitability. These producers need and deserve assistance that works for them, not against them.”

    The changes cumulatively  outlined in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act provide an investment in American agriculture. Last month, FSA announced expanded payment limitation and payment eligibility provisions and the opportunity to increase base acres on eligible farms. FSA also previously announced that producers will benefit from increased reference prices for major commodities starting this fall. Additional policy enhancements for FSA disaster and commodity loan programs are taking effect.

    Read more about these enhancements here. — Story contributed by the USDA

  • USDA Announces Lawfare Partnership with SBA

    U.S. Secretary of Ag Brooke L. Rollins announced a new memorandum of understanding with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to combat weaponized regulatory and enforcement actions against America’s producers, ranchers and small businesses. This partnership advances Pillar 4 of the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework by building a government-wide shield against lawfare.

    Secretary Rollins was joined by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Special Envoy for American Landowners John Rich, Director of the Bureau of Land Management Stevan Pearce, Representative Harriet Hageman, Representative Eli Crane and affected producers and ranchers, along with representatives from leading legal organizations including the America First Policy Institute, Institute for Justice, Texas Public Policy Foundation, Pacific Legal Foundation, American Stewards of Liberty and Mountain States Legal Foundation.

    “Producers and ranchers who feed this nation should never face the full power of government alone,” Rollins said. “This partnership with the SBA creates clear pathways for redress, ensures fairness in enforcement, and demonstrates that Washington stands with, not against, the hardworking Americans who sustain our country. Through the USDA Lawfare Portal and interagency collaboration, we are delivering real protection under the Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework.”

    “For too many ranching families, lawfare has become just another cost of doing business—except it’s one no hardworking producer should ever have to bear,” Rich said. “I’ve traveled across this country and met families who have spent years fighting bureaucrats instead of tending their cattle, working their land, or passing their operations on to the next generation. This partnership sends a clear message: the federal government is done standing on the sidelines while producers are buried in red tape and abusive enforcement. We’re standing up for the people who feed America.”

    The MOU formalizes collaboration between USDA and SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman. It enables the resolution of complaints involving other federal regulatory agencies submitted through the USDA Lawfare Portal – in addition to analyzing resulting data to identify patterns for potential deregulation and accountability. — Story contributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Promotes New, Voluntary ‘Product of USA’ Label

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign to inform meat, poultry, and egg producers of the “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard which went into effect on January 1, 2026, and increases consumer understanding of what the label means.

    “Our great patriot ranchers and producers grow, raise, and harvest the world’s safest, most affordable, and abundant food supply. American consumers want to support America by buying American and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust,” said USDA Secretary Rollins. “This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.”

    “When we choose to purchase from American producers, we get a superior product while supporting the hardworking family farms who put it all on the line every day to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation,” said SBA Administrator Loeffler. “Amid President Trump’s work to end years of unfair competition and eliminate the massive red tape that has crushed domestic agriculture, Made in America is finally making a comeback. Today, on National Agriculture Day, I urge all Americans to join me in support of the hardworking farmers and ranchers who anchor the U.S. food supply chain that is so vital to keeping our nation strong, safe, and healthy.”

    “Our farmers and ranchers are essential to putting real food back at the center of the American plate and delivering on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information, and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home.”

    “U.S. producers are the best in the world, and produce the highest-quality products,” said North Dakota Senator Hoeven. “A ‘Product of USA’ label benefits our ranchers and provides transparency and confidence for consumers. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their efforts to support our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.”

    Under this standard, the “Product of USA” label is reserved exclusively for meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. The claim is voluntary, but companies using it must meet this transparent and verifiable requirement. This ends the prior practice which allowed imported products to carry the claim after minimal processing and strengthens consumer confidence by aligning with what Americans expect and demand.

    Since 2017, the United States has lost over 17% of family farms, more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer demand for beef has grown 9% over the past decade. In October 2025, Secretary Rollins released the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry that focuses on rebuilding domestic capacity, improving transparency across the supply chain, and ensuring U.S. ranchers can compete on a level playing field.

    Today’s announcement on enforcement and promotion of the strengthened “Product of USA” label is a key deliverable under this initiative, advancing the Trump Administration’s priorities of fairness, competition, and consumer trust.

    Learn more at productofusa.gov. — By the U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Completes Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and Governor of Texas Greg Abbott visited Moore Air Base to  celebrate a significant achievement in the fight against New World Screwworm (NWS) with the completion of a U.S.-based sterile fly dispersal facility in Edinburg, Texas. This facility expands USDA’s ability to disperse sterile flies along the border and into the United States, if necessary.

    “The Trump Administration continues to bring the full force of the federal government to fight New World Screwworm,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This sterile fly dispersal facility was a high priority project, and our team delivered it in record time. This new facility is a monumental achievement for our domestic preparedness efforts, but we are also diligently working to stop the spread of screwworm in Mexico, conduct extensive trapping and surveillance along the border, increase U.S. response capacity, and encourage innovative solutions. We will never stop fighting to protect American agriculture. USDA, through a whole-of-government approach, will continue to hold Mexico accountable to mitigating the spread of this dangerous pest.”

    “America is going to take care of ourselves, including dealing with the approach of screwworm as it gets closer to our border,” said Governor Abbott. “We put together the resources necessary for Texas to provide a Texas-size response to this. We thank Secretary Rollins and President Trump for stepping forward to provide the stop gap effort essential to protecting our ranchers and our wildlife.”

    Trump Administration NWS Response

    In June 2025, Secretary Rollins announced a sweeping five-pronged plan(PDF, 1005 KB) to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate NWS. As part of that announcement, she also shared plans to build this sterile NWS fly dispersal facility in South Texas. The completion of the facility further expands the network of dispersal facilities through Central America and Mexico and solidifies the increased preparedness offered by having a U.S.-based facility.

    On January 30, USDA announced a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. While the sterile flies for this effort will initially be dispersed from the Tampico, Mexico facility, USDA is prepared to quickly and strategically shift operations to the new Texas facility should there be a change in the location or new concentration of NWS cases in northern Mexico.

    About Sterile Fly

    Sterile insect technique, when paired with surveillance, animal movement restrictions, and education and outreach, is a proven and effective tool for controlling and eradicating NWS. Female NWS flies only mate once in their lives, so if they mate with a sterile male, they lay unfertilized eggs that don’t hatch. Releasing sterile flies just outside of affected areas helps ensure flies traveling to new areas will only encounter sterile mates and will not be able to reproduce.

    Sterile insects are dispersed through aerial dispersal or ground release. Aerial operations are preferred because they allow for dispersal at a steady rate through a large area and also because sterile insects may be dispersed in areas that are unreachable from the ground. Ground release is used when there is a need to quickly deploy sterile insects outside of the dispersal facility range. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile flies remain critical components of an effective response.

    USDA currently produces sterile flies for dispersal at the COPEG facility in Panama. USDA is also investing $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa—which will double NWS production capacity once complete. With ongoing support from technical experts in USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Mexico anticipates this sterile fly production to begin as soon as summer 2026.

    To continue to expand USDA’s domestic response capacity, the Department is building a sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas, with a targeted maximum capacity of 300 million sterile flies per week. USDA expects to break ground on that facility later this spring. With existing and planned production facilities fully operational, USDA will have up to 500 million sterile files per week in its arsenal to fight this pest all the way back to the Darién Gap. The international network of facilities will produce 100 million sterile flies per week at COPEG in Panama, 100 million at Metapa in Mexico, and 300 million at Moore Air Base.

    What You Can Do

    Even though there have been no detections of NWS inside the U.S. and the northernmost active case of NWS is still about 200 miles away from the border, USDA is asking Americans to continue to remain vigilant by checking their livestock and pets for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for NWS larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infested with NWS, immediately report it to your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge.

    NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh. While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted NWS, seek immediate medical attention. — USDA

  • Secretary Rollins Blocks Taxpayer Dollars for Solar Panels on Prime Farmland

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Senator Bill Hagerty, Representative John Rose, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, recently announced USDA will no longer fund taxpayer dollars for solar panels on productive farmland or allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used in USDA projects. Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more expensive and less available. Within the last 30 years, Tennessee alone has lost over 1.2 million acres of farmland and is expected to lose 2 million acres by 2027. This problem is not just in Tennessee, since 2012, solar panels on farmland nationwide have increased by nearly 50%. That is why the Department is taking action.

    “Our prime farmland should not be wasted and replaced with green new deal subsidized solar panels. It has been disheartening to see our beautiful farmland displaced by solar projects, especially in rural areas that have strong agricultural heritage. One of the largest barriers of entry for new and young farmers is access to land. Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more expensive and less available,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “We are no longer allowing businesses to use your taxpayer dollars to fund solar projects on prime American farmland, and we will no longer allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used in our USDA-funded projects.”

    “Tennesseans know that our farmland is our national security, our economic future, and our children’s heritage. We were honored to welcome Secretary Rollins to Tennessee this week, and I’m grateful for her leadership to defend America’s farmland from foreign adversaries and protect our food supply,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

    “Tennessee farmland should be used to grow the crops that feed our state and country, not to house solar panels made by foreign countries like Communist China,” said Senator Blackburn. “Secretary Rollins and President Trump are right to put an end to these Green New Deal subsidies that waste taxpayer dollars while threatening America’s food security. I applaud this administration for investing in rural communities across Tennessee and empowering them to prosper for years to come.”

    “Competition is the American way. As a business owner, I know well the importance of fighting for your spot in the free market. It sparks innovation and often drives down costs for consumers. By leveling the playing field, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins is ensuring an abundant energy future for Tennessee and beyond,” said Representative John Rose (TN-06).

    “Secretary Rollins understands that food security is national security, and preserving prime farmland for agricultural production is a key component of protecting our food supply. I look forward to working with her and this Administration to ensure any incentives for renewable energy projects have commonsense safeguards in place that provide options for producers while protecting our most productive farmland,” said House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15).

    “I strongly support Secretary Rollins’ action today implementing President Trump’s executive order de-prioritizing undependable energy sources, and protecting our prime farmland for much/needed food production. Ending wasteful taxpayer Green New Scam subsidies that have driven up energy costs and taken farmland out of production are long overdue. This action protects farmland so important to our Eastern Shore economy, strengthens American agriculture, and puts our energy independence first,” said Representative Andy Harris (MD-01).

    “The land that feeds America should never be sacrificed for unreliable green energy experiments subsidized by taxpayer dollars. With this action, the USDA is making it clear that agriculture, not foreign-made solar panels, belongs on America’s farmland. This step ensures our land, food supply, and rural traditions are protected for generations to come,” said Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-7).

    “We shouldn’t be subsidizing solar projects on prime farmland, that land is too valuable for producing the food and fuel our nation depends on. Secretary Rollins is right to step in and make sure taxpayer dollars aren’t used to take our best farmland out of production, and I strongly support stopping the use of solar panels made by foreign adversaries like China. I’m proud to see that the Trump Administration continues to be committed to protecting American agriculture and standing up to China,” said Representative Mike Bost (IL-12).

    “There is no such thing as a solar farm. It is a waste of one of our most precious resources, our land. The extortion of the American taxpayers through solar subsidies, and the destruction of our farm and forest resources, has gone on for far too long. I commend Secretary Rollins for taking action to keep taxpayer dollars from being wasted on solar panels, purchased from our adversaries like China, and to no longer allow these unaffordable “green” projects to waste space on our American farmland and destroy our forest and wildlife habitat,” said Representative Austin Scott (GA-08).

    “For too long, Washington bureaucrats and foreign adversaries have tried to dictate how we use our land and our resources. Taxpayers should never be forced to bankroll green new deal scams that destroy our farmland and undermine our food security. I applaud President Trump and Secretary Rollins for standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers by ensuring our prime farmland is protected from foreign adversaries and our taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Our agricultural heritage is the backbone of this nation, and these commonsense reforms put food security, national security, and American sovereignty first,” said Representative Harriet Hageman (WY-AL).

    “The Trump Administration is continuing to listen to those at home who were struggling under the previous administration’s Green New Scam. It’s been proven time and time again that subsidies negatively impact market pricing, passing the cost directly to consumers. I applaud the work of the USDA protecting national security, prioritizing American products first, and amplifying an all-of-the-above energy approach,” said Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05).

    “Green New Deal subsidies have distorted the energy market and supplanted American farmland. USDA is taking decisive action which complements policies I supported in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ending the misuse of taxpayer dollars and upholding our national security interests in energy infrastructure. I appreciate Secretary Rollins’ leadership in restoring common sense to these USDA programs,” said Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03).

    Protecting American Farmland:

    This action will rapidly eliminate the market distortions and costs imposed on taxpayers by reducing energy subsidies and builds upon the repeal of and modifications to wind, solar, and other “green” energy tax credits in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It will further USDA’s determination to end taxpayer support for unaffordable and unreliable “green” energy sources and ensure the supply chain consists of American products and manufacturing.

    Effective immediately, USDA will implement the following programmatic actions:

    • For the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program wind and solar projects are not eligible.
    • For the USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loan Program (REAP Guaranteed Loan Program), USDA will ensure that American farmers, ranchers and producers utilizing wind and solar energy sources will install units that are right-sized for their facilities. If project applications include ground mount solar photovoltaic systems larger than 50kW or ground mount solar photovoltaic systems that cannot document historical energy usage, they will no longer be eligible for the REAP Guaranteed Loan Program, and priority points will no longer be given for REAP grants.

    USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. The commitment and resources we bring to rural communities help drive economic security and prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov.

  • USDA Announces New Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced the appointment of Erin Morris as the next Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which operates under the Department’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area.

    “My fellow Fightin’ Texas Aggie Erin Morris brings a strong track record of leadership, technical knowledge, and dedication to the agricultural community,” said Secretary Rollins. “She has spent over 25 years advancing the work of AMS and has earned the trust of her peers and stakeholders across the industry. I’m confident that under her leadership, AMS will continue to deliver for farmers, ranchers, and American consumers. We are deeply grateful to Bruce Summers for his four decades of tireless service to American agriculture. His leadership has shaped AMS into a cornerstone of USDA’s mission, and his legacy will have a lasting impact on farmers, ranchers, and consumers for years to come.”

    Morris will succeed Bruce Summers, who is retiring at the end of this month following a 40-year career at USDA.

    AMS supports the fair, efficient, and transparent marketing of U.S. agricultural products across domestic and international markets. AMS delivers a wide range of services including quality grading, auditing, and laboratory testing that help producers demonstrate the value and integrity of their goods. The agency also operates the USDA Market News Service, providing objective pricing and market data to inform business decisions throughout the supply chain. AMS also enforces fair trade practices through oversight of the livestock, produce, and organic sectors, and administers the Packers and Stockyards Act and National Organic Program.

  • USDA Announces New Farm Production & Conservation Leadership

    On March 21st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. These appointees will lead efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers have the support they need to keep feeding, fueling, and clothing America.

    “FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Following this week’s $10 billion economic assistance announcement, these appointees will help ensure that support gets to farmers and ranchers without bureaucratic delays. Strong leadership in FPAC means real results, less red tape, and a USDA that works for those who feed, fuel, and clothe America. I’m proud to welcome these new leaders who will champion our farmers and rural communities.”

    The FPAC mission area plays a vital role in delivering USDA programs directly to farmers and ranchers across the country, from disaster assistance and risk management to conservation efforts that protect and enhance working lands. These newly appointed leaders will be instrumental in executing these programs efficiently and effectively, reinforcing the Trump Administration’s commitment to rural America.

    Brooke Appleton Appointed as Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation

    Brooke Shupe Appleton serves as the Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. Most recently, Appleton served as Vice President of Public Policy for the National Corn Growers Association. In this role, Appleton led NCGA’s Washington, D.C. office, overseeing advocacy for policy effecting corn farmers across the country. Previously, Appleton served as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary at USDA during the first Trump Administration. Prior to her time at USDA, Appleton worked at the National Association and Wheat Growers and started her career on Capitol Hill working for U.S. Representative Sam Graves of Missouri. Appleton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia and was raised on her family’s row crop and cattle farm in Stanberry, Missouri.

    Andrew Fisher Appointed as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation

    Andrew Fisher serves as Chief of Staff for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). Most recently, Andrew served as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and previously held the same position for U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri. Andrew grew up on a farrow to wean hog operation where he also assisted his grandfather with backgrounding cattle.

    Aubrey Bettencourt Appointed as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service

    Aubrey Bettencourt will serve as Chief of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Aubrey is a prominent leader in agriculture, water, and sustainability, most recently serving as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company. Her previous roles include serving as President and CEO of the Almond Alliance and Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior in the first Trump Administration. Her work reflects a strong commitment to water policy, agricultural support, and sustainable practices, supported by her family’s farming roots in Kings County, California. Aubrey holds a degree in History from Westmont College.

    Bill Beam Appointed as Administrator for the Farm Service Agency

    Bill Beam will serve as the Administrator for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Bill is from Elverson, Pennsylvania where he owns and operates Beam Farms Inc. with his family. In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, Beam Farms has a sawdust and wood shavings business that serves the wood industry and agriculture throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Bill has served on various boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, United States Soybean Export Council, Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment and Tel Hai Board. Bill formerly served as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for FSA in the first Trump Administration.

    Pat Swanson Appointed as Administrator for the Risk Management Agency

    Pat Swanson will serve as the Administrator for the Risk Management Agency (RMA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Most recently, Pat has served as a director for the American Soybean Association (ASA) and completed her term on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board. Along with her husband, Don, Pat has experience running a crop insurance agency, helping farmers in southeastern Iowa manage risk through crop, forage, pasture and livestock insurance. Pat and her family run a seventh-generation farm near Ottumwa, Iowa. They raise soybeans, corn, and have a cow-calf operation. Pat is an alumna of Iowa State University and is passionate about advocating for farmers through her involvement with Iowa 4-H, CommonGround Iowa and her work with ASA.

    Colton Buckley Appointed as Chief of Staff for Natural Resources Conservation Service

    Colton Buckley serves as the Chief of Staff for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Most recently, Colton served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils. Previously, Colton was appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture’s Advisory Council, and the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas Board of Directors, representing rural economic development. He is a proud alumnus of Turning Point USA. Colton holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development from Tarleton State University, a Master of Arts in Communication from Liberty University, and was raised on his grandparents’ cattle ranch in Gatesville, Texas.

  • Opportunities for Tree Nuts, Dairy & Wine in Upcoming Peru Agribusiness Trade Mission

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Lima, Peru, scheduled for June 9-12, 2025. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by March 12, 2025.

    “Consumers in Peru are eager to stock their pantries with world-class, high-quality food and farm products, and this mission offers a unique opportunity for U.S. exporters to meet that growing demand,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley. “It will also help our agricultural community forge meaningful partnerships and unlock new avenues for growth in South America.”

    Peru is the third-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in South America. Since the 2009 U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, bilateral agricultural trade has risen from $1.46 billion to $5 billion in 2023, a 242.5 percent increase. In 2023, the United States was Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier with a 13-percent market share.

    Peru and its South American trade partners offer robust logistics, distribution, processing, and cold chain capabilities, creating opportunities for exporters across industry sectors, including:

    • Beef, pork, poultry and related products
    • Dairy products
    • Tree nuts
    • Snack, bakery and confectionery products
    • Wine and distilled spirits
    • Condiments and sauces
    • Dog and cat food
    • Health-conscious foods (low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat)
    • Ethanol
    • Live animals and feed ingredients
    • Bulk products, including pulses

    During the trade mission, participants will join buyers from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador for targeted business-to-business meetings to explore and discuss potential business opportunities in each country. Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will also provide in-depth market briefings, lead informative site visits, and host networking events.

    For more information or to apply, visit www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions/peru-june-2025. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

    The trade mission to Peru is one of several USDA-led export promotion opportunities in 2025, with additional missions planned to Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Taiwan. The agency will announce application details for these missions soon.

  • USDA Funding to Address Specialty Crop Export Challenges

    U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor today announced the availability of funding for the first five projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative.

    The ASCE initiative is part of USDA’s commitment to create more, new and better markets at home and abroad for U.S. producers and agribusinesses. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector will focus on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.

    “Today, USDA is committing more than $20 million to support U.S. specialty crop exporters in their efforts to overcome trade barriers and open overseas markets,” Under Secretary Taylor said. “We’re excited to be accepting proposals from partners interested in implementing projects that will target cross-cutting issues that were identified in our discussions with a diverse set of stakeholders. U.S. specialty crop exports totaled $25.8 billion last year, increasing the bottom line for our producers and driving economic development in their local communities and beyond. With the ASCE initiative, we look forward to expanding specialty crop exports and generating even greater benefits.”

    The project opportunities for which USDA is accepting applications are:

    Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab – to support research and implementation projects that advance U.S. specialty crop exports through innovative solutions to emerging overseas regulatory requirements for packaging and labeling;

    Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) Regional Harmonization – to address existing and potential trade needs in Asia, Latin America, and Africa related to MRLs for U.S. specialty crops entering these regions, while supporting development of risk-based and trade-facilitative policies that are consistent with international standards such as Codex;

    Import MRL Guideline Implementation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economies – to support establishment of import MRLs in key U.S. export markets through the adoption and implementation of official APEC MRL guidelines that facilitate trade and are consistent with international standards such as Codex;

    Data Generation for Codex and Harmonized MRL Setting – to reduce the number of missing and misaligned MRLs by supporting collaborative research and data generation capacity for the establishment of Codex MRLs; and

    MRL Quick Reference Sheets for Specialty Crops – to develop a set of quick reference sheets for specialty crop exporters that include MRLs for the top foreign markets.

    After touring the packaging materials lab at the University of Wisconsin-Stout today, Under Secretary Taylor said, “The work being accomplished by these students and researchers will help create innovative, sustainable packaging materials that will help specialty crop exporters meet the requirements of our trading partners and extend the shelf-life of their products to ensure cost-competitive, highly nutritious American products move safely  from our farm to consumers’ plates globally.”

    For more information about the ASCE initiative and the current funding opportunity, visit: https://fas.usda.gov/programs/assisting-specialty-crop-exports-asce-initiative

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.