tom vilsack

Earlier this month, U.S. Trade Representative’s Office requested technical consultations with Mexico regarding its proposed ban on GMO corn imports from the U.S.  The request is under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter of USMCA.  Ag Secretary ...

On Monday, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an $89 million investment to finance the startup and expansion of independent meat processors.  USDA also announced the department's initial steps to create a more competitive marketplace for seeds and other agricultural inputs.  Vilsack...

On Monday, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office requested technical consultations with the Government of Mexico under USMCA.  The consultations, as part of the USMCA Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter, are aimed at Mexico’s ban on genetically modified corn.   “The United ...

On Monday, the USDA released a proposed rule with new regulatory requirements to the voluntary “Product of USA” label claim.  The proposed rule allows the voluntary “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” label claim to be used on meat, poultry and egg products only when they are derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.   “American consumers expect that when

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack said he’s not waiting around for Congress to reform the H-2A farm guest worker program but is starting his department’s own program.  During February's Ag Outlook Forum, the USDA head said while he’s hopeful that Republicans and Democrats in Congress will try to address the systemic challenges that growers and farm workers face, he said he’s committed to doing everything h

USDA's Equity Commission presented its 2023 Interim Report to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week.  The 37-page report and its findings are based on the personal experiences and expertise of its members, their collaborative and in-depth review of USDA's programs and practices, and stakeholder input.  Example...

U.S. and European Union counterparts met late last week to discuss transatlantic agriculture and food sustainability.   “It's an ongoing conversation and I think the most important thing here is that you need to keep talking to one another you need to keep searching for that elusive sweet spot that you find every once in a while that allows you to take a step forward,” said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsac

On Monday, Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse as well as Representative Austin Scott, of Georgia, led a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack with Chair of House Agriculture Committee “GT” Thompson urging immediate action to improve outdated and inefficient FSA program operations.    “...

The Department of Agriculture this week announced a $59 million investment to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity.  The funding also seeks to expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas.  The investment is part of the Biden administration's Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain.  The action p...

“This is an extraordinarily transformational and pivotal moment for American agriculture,” said Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack thanking the National Association of Conservation Districts during their recent annual convention.  He expressed t...