USDA Proposes to Reapportion Cattlemen’s Beef Board Membership

January 6, 2020 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2017, as required by the rules governing the board.

USDA Revises Handling Requirements for Florida Tomatoes

November 6, 2019 USDA AMS

The Florida Tomato Committee recommended this action to eliminate the standard weight certification requirement from the marketing order regulations. Other marketing order standards for grade, size, maturity, pack and container remain unchanged.

USDA Announces Appointments to the National Watermelon Promotion Board

October 24, 2019 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the appointment of eight members to serve on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2022.

USDA Announces Dates for the Vidalia Onion Continuance Referendum

October 7, 2019 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct a referendum Oct. 7–28, 2019, for Vidalia onion growers to vote on whether to continue their federal marketing order. Growers who produced Vidalia onions in Georgia from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2018, are eligible to vote. Notice of the referendum was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 27, 2019.

USDA Amends Regulations Governing Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards)

September 16, 2019 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Regulations Governing Meats, Prepared Meats, and Meat Products (Grading, Certification, and Standards).