USDA

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that $29 million is being invested to provide affordable housing for the country’s farm laborers and their family members. Housing is often the first step on the road to more economic prosperity for farmworker families,” Vilsack says. “These loans and grants will significantly improve the lives of farmworkers, who are vital to America’s agriculture sector. This program is one of many tools that USDA has to strengthen the rural economy, which will help bring a brighter future for children from farmworker families.” USDA is providing assistance through the Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program. Financing is available to qualified organizations to develop housing for domestic farm laborers. USDA also provides rental assistance to help very low income families afford the monthly rent.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of 17 members and 17 alternates to The Cotton Board. The Cotton Board is appointed by the Secretary to oversee the Cotton Research & Promotion Program. All appointees will serve three-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2014, and ending Dec. 31, 2016.

BY DARRYL EARNEST MEMPHIS, TENN. • Grew up in rural west Alabama. • B.S. in Industrial Engineering, Univ. of Alabama - 1990. • Started career in Greenwood, Miss., field office. • Served in Memphis 1991-2000, 2002-2005 and 2011-present; Washington DC 2000-2002 and 2005-2011. • Served...

Honey bee health decline threatens the world’s agricultural enterprise and ecosystems, which rely on bees for pollination. Among several factors contributing to bee colony losses is the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor, which was first detected in the United States in 1987. Researchers have agreed that this parasite remains the single most detrimental pest of honey bees and is closely associated with overwintering colony declines

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has recently announced funding for projects in 40 states to finance investments in improved water and waste-water systems for more than 200,000 rural residents. “Rural businesses and residents need access to clean water and modern waste...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the selection of organizations in 11 states for loans and grants to support job creation efforts and business development, and to strengthen economic growth in rural communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains...

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says that the Federal government must increase collaboration with producers, researchers and industry to develop the next generation of solutions that will help agriculture mitigate and adapt to modern climate challenges. “Our farmers, ranchers and forest...

Outfitting soldiers with clothing that effectively repels or kills insects is one of the strategies U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists are using to help protect U.S. military personnel deployed overseas against disease-transmitting mosquitoes and sand flies. As part of...