BESSEMER, Ala., Jan. 26, 2022 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh today announced that USDA is investing $1 billion to build and improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam (PDF, 449 KB). This infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and building sound infrastructure for people living in rural communities.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the plenary speakers for the 2022 Agricultural Outlook Forum, themed “New Paths to Sustainability and Productivity Growth,” which will be held virtually Feb. 24–25, 2022.

The opening plenary session will feature a fireside chat between Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Elizabeth Economy, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce. Secretary Vilsack and Dr. Economy will discuss U.S.-China agricultural trade relations and prospects for the Chinese agriculture market.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Jan. 21, 2022 – Vice President Kamala Harris and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $1.36 billion in disaster relief funds for the USDA Forest Service to support post-disaster recovery and restoration in states across the country, including nearly $600 million for recovery efforts in California following the devastating 2020 and 2021 fire years. The funding was announced during a visit to the San Bernardino National Forest in California.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2022 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture issued the following statement highlighting key accomplishments to promote food and nutrition security at the Department of Agriculture since the Biden-Harris Administration took office on January 20, 2021.

WASHINGTON, January 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) today highlighted some of the office’s key accomplishments in 2021 that support creating better markets and expanding climate-smart agriculture.

“Over the past year, our staff provided economic expertise, timely analyses, and coordination for several key activities and initiatives ranging from economic intelligence and commodity outlook forecasting to climate change adaptation strategies and pest management policy,” said USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2022 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement delivering on the commitment to combat climate change and highlighting key accomplishments to combat climate change at the Department of Agriculture since the Biden-Harris Administration took office on January 20, 2021.

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WASHINGTON, January 14, 2022 – “As we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of the profound impact of answering the call to serve others and in striving to do right by upholding the values of equity, justice, and inclusion.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today a $9 million investment in new Cooperative Extension and USDA Climate Hubs partnerships to bolster climate research and connect and share climate-smart solutions directly with the agricultural community.

ATLANTA, Jan. 10, 2022 — Today in East Point, Ga., Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack joined Cornelius Blanding, executive director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, to sign an agreement signifying a continued partnership between USDA and the nonprofit organization.