USDA Proposes to Reapportion American Egg Board Membership

May 15, 2020 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to adjust membership on the Egg Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in egg production and consolidation since the last board reapportionment.

USDA Removes Red Tape and Extends Application Deadline to Increase Milk Donations, Program Modifications will Help American Dairy Processors Donate More Milk for Distribution to Low-Income Individuals

May 12, 2020 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach today announced USDA will waive certain documentation requirements in the Commodity Specifications for Fluid Milk and Milk Products Eligible for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program, allowing American dairy processors to donate more milk for distribution to low-income individuals.

USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans

May 5, 2020 USDA AMS

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of $ 470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide.

United Fresh Commends USDA AMS on Launch of New “Buy Fresh” Produce Purchasing Program

On a webinar, USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) shared the details of the new “Buy Fresh” program to purchase $ 100 million per month in fresh produce from regional and local distributors whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities.

USDA Granted Summary Judgment in R-CALF USA Case

April 8, 2020 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the Montana Federal District Court granted USDA summary judgment in the case of the Ranchers-Cattleman Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) vs. USDA. In the suit, R-CALF USA alleged the use of industry assessments collected by state beef councils for advertising and promotional materials violated the First Amendment rights of beef producers.