Department of Agriculture (USDA) News

• USDA's Climate-Smart Moves and Proposed Changes to Nutrition Programs

  Welcome to our latest podcast on the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) latest news and developments. This week, the USDA published an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops, marking a significant step towards integrating climate considerations into agricultural practices[4].However, not all developments are aligned with this forward-thinking approach. The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a presidential transition project, has proposed drastic changes to the USDA and federal nutrition programs. These proposals include narrowing the USDA's role, cutting references to "equity" and "climate smart" in its mission statement, and moving the Food and Nutrition Service to the Department of Health and Human Services. This could have devastating impacts on food security and anti-poverty programs[1].On a more positive note, the USDA has announced the 2025 enrollment periods for key safety-net programs, including Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), as well as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). These programs provide critical financial protections to farmers against commodity market volatilities. Producers can enroll in these programs from January 21 to April 15 for ARC and PLC, and from January 29 to March 31 for DMC[3].The USDA's budget for 2025 reflects a commitment to advancing a climate-smart food and agriculture economy. With a total budget request of $213.3 billion, the USDA aims to strengthen America's food system and transform the agricultural system through five cross-cutting strategic priorities, including addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice[5].These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For instance, the proposed changes to the USDA's role and federal nutrition programs could harm children, families, and communities by rolling back years of progress in increasing food security.As FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux noted, "Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers, so don't delay enrollment."Looking ahead, citizens can engage with these developments by staying informed about upcoming changes and deadlines. For more information, visit the USDA's website or contact your local FSA office.Next steps to watch include the implementation of the interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops and the enrollment periods for ARC, PLC, and DMC. We encourage our listeners to stay engaged and provide input on these critical issues affecting our food system and agricultural economy. Thank you for tuning in.

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• USDA Updates: Climate-Smart Crops and Proposed Changes to Nutrition Programs

  Welcome to this week's USDA update. The most significant headline from the department this week is the publication of an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. This rule establishes guidelines for quantifying, reporting, and verifying the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of biofuel feedstock commodity crops grown in the United States.Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated, "The new guidelines are a win for farmers, biofuel producers, the public, and the environment. This action marks an important milestone in the development of market-based conservation opportunities for agriculture." The guidelines will facilitate the recognition of climate-smart agriculture within clean transportation fuel programs, creating new market opportunities for biofuel feedstock producers while enhancing climate benefits.However, not all developments are moving in the same direction. Project 2025, a presidential transition project organized by the Heritage Foundation, proposes significant changes to the USDA and federal nutrition programs. The plan calls for narrowing the scope of the USDA's role, cutting references to "equity" and "climate smart" in its mission statement, and moving the Food and Nutrition Service to the Department of Health and Human Services. This would have significant impacts on programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals, potentially rolling back years of progress made in increasing food security.The proposed changes to SNAP include increasing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents, eliminating categorical eligibility, and rolling back updates to the Thrifty Food Plan. These changes could harm children, families, and communities who rely on these programs.In contrast, the USDA's recent actions aim to support farmers and the environment. The new guidelines for climate-smart agriculture are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to create greater opportunities for homegrown, renewable biofuels.For American citizens, these developments mean potential changes to how food assistance programs are managed and funded. Businesses and organizations in the agricultural sector will need to adapt to new guidelines and regulations. State and local governments will also be impacted by changes to federal programs.To stay informed, citizens can visit the USDA's website for updates on these developments. The public can also provide input on the interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks.Next steps to watch include the implementation of the new guidelines and the potential impact of Project 2025's proposals on federal nutrition programs. For more information, visit the USDA's website or follow reputable sources covering agricultural news. Stay tuned for future updates on these critical developments.

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• USDA Update: Sustainable Ag, Nutrition Program Changes, and the Impact of Project 2025

  Welcome to this week's USDA update. The most significant headline from the Department of Agriculture this week revolves around the proposed policy changes outlined in Project 2025 by the Heritage Foundation, which could have devastating impacts on federal nutrition programs and other critical anti-poverty, education, and health initiatives.Project 2025, a presidential transition project, includes over 900 pages of policy recommendations that aim to narrow the scope of the USDA's role, cut references to "equity" and "climate smart" in its mission statement, and separate agricultural provisions from nutritional provisions in the Farm Bill. These changes could weaken federal offices, departments, and regulatory agencies, particularly affecting programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meals.For instance, the proposal seeks to increase work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents in SNAP, eliminate categorical eligibility, and roll back updates to the Thrifty Food Plan. These changes could harm children, families, and communities by reducing food security and nutrition support.On a different note, the USDA has been focusing on sustainable agriculture practices. The department's annual Agricultural Outlook Forum highlighted the importance of climate-smart and sustainable production practices that generate environmental returns for society and economic returns for producers while meeting consumer needs. Speakers from various sectors of the agriculture and food industry emphasized the need for innovative practices that are both sustainable and cost-effective.The USDA's 2025 budget summary outlines a total request of $213.3 billion, with $31.6 billion for discretionary programs and $181.7 billion for mandatory programs. This budget aims to advance a vision for an equitable and climate-smart food and agriculture economy, addressing climate change through climate-smart agriculture, forestry, and clean energy.USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer noted, "New paths to sustainability and productivity growth don't have to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. There are innovative ways to accomplish both." The department is committed to supporting producers, farmers, and ranchers through voluntary incentives and resources provided by President Biden's legislative agenda.These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, particularly those relying on federal nutrition programs. Businesses and organizations in the agriculture sector will also be affected by changes in sustainable practices and budget allocations. State and local governments will need to adapt to new policies and regulations.Citizens can engage by staying informed about these changes and providing public input when necessary. The USDA encourages participation in forums and discussions on sustainable agriculture practices and policy changes.Next steps to watch include the implementation of the 2025 budget and the potential impacts of Project 2025's policy recommendations. For more information, visit the USDA's website and follow updates on their podcasts and newsroom. Public input is crucial in shaping the future of agriculture and nutrition programs in the United States. Stay tuned for more updates from the USDA.

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• USDA Updates: Crucial Safety-Net Programs, Biofuel Feedstock Guidelines, and Policy Debates

  Welcome to this week's update on the latest news and developments from the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This week, the USDA announced the 2025 enrollment periods for key safety-net programs, including Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) as well as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC)[1].Starting January 21, agricultural producers can submit applications to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for ARC and PLC for the 2025 crop year until April 15. For DMC, the enrollment period begins January 29 and ends March 31. These programs provide critical financial protections to farmers against substantial drops in crop prices or revenues and are vital economic safety nets for most American farms.FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, “Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers, so don’t delay enrollment. Even if you are not changing your program election for 2025, you still need to sign a contract to enroll.”In other news, the USDA recently published an interim rule on Technical Guidelines for Climate-Smart Agriculture Crops Used as Biofuel Feedstocks. This rule establishes guidelines for quantifying, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of biofuel feedstock commodity crops grown in the United States[4].Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the significance of this development, saying, “Today’s action marks an important milestone in the development of market-based conservation opportunities for agriculture. This Administration created pathways for economic growth that will reverberate for generations to come.”The USDA is also requesting public comment on the interim rule to help inform future revisions or additions to the final rule. Interested parties can submit comments during the 60-day public comment period.Looking ahead, it's crucial to note that these developments come amidst broader discussions on agricultural policy. For instance, Project 2025, a presidential transition project by the Heritage Foundation, proposes significant changes to the USDA and federal nutrition programs, including narrowing the USDA's role and moving the Food and Nutrition Service to the Department of Health and Human Services[5].These proposals have raised concerns about their potential impacts on food security and federal anti-poverty programs. It's essential for citizens, businesses, and state and local governments to stay informed and engage in these discussions.For more information on the USDA's latest news and developments, including how to enroll in safety-net programs and provide feedback on the interim rule, visit the USDA's website. Stay tuned for future updates and remember to make your voice heard on these critical issues. Thank you for listening.

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• USDA Announces Key Safety Net Program Enrollment Deadlines, Proposed Changes to Nutrition Programs Raise Concerns

  Welcome to our latest agriculture update. This week, the USDA announced the 2025 enrollment periods for key safety-net programs, including Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), as well as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC). Producers can submit applications for ARC and PLC from January 21 to April 15, and for DMC from January 29 to March 31[1].These programs are crucial for American farmers, providing financial protections against substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux emphasized the importance of timely enrollment, stating, "Our safety-net programs provide critical financial protections against commodity market volatilities for many American farmers, so don’t delay enrollment."In other news, the USDA has increased funding for the new Specialty Crop Program, extending the application deadline for Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops to January 10 and reminding producers of the January 31 deadline for Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops[4].However, not all developments are positive. Project 2025, a presidential transition project by the Heritage Foundation, proposes significant changes to the USDA and federal nutrition programs. These changes include narrowing the USDA's role, cutting references to "equity" and "climate smart" in its mission statement, and moving the Food and Nutrition Service to the Department of Health and Human Services[2][5].These proposals have been met with concern, as they could roll back years of progress in increasing food security and harm children, families, and communities. For example, proposed changes to SNAP include increasing work requirements and eliminating categorical eligibility, which could reduce access to essential nutrition assistance.Looking ahead, it's important for citizens to stay informed and engaged. Upcoming deadlines include the enrollment periods for ARC, PLC, and DMC, as well as the application deadlines for specialty crop programs. For more information, visit the USDA's Farm Service Agency website.In conclusion, the USDA's latest news and developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. It's crucial to stay informed and engaged, especially as policy changes and new initiatives are implemented. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll keep you updated on the latest agriculture news.

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