USDA Grant Supports Creation of Maine Halal Meat Brand Co-op

The Cooperative Development Institute is facilitating the development of a cooperative halal meat brand and Maine’s first exclusively halal-certified, USDA-regulated slaughter and processing facility to serve the growing demand for halal meat from Muslim and immigrant populations in Maine, thanks to support from the USDA Rural Business Development Grant.

FDA, USDA and EPA Propose National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste

December 14, 2023 FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a national strategy that will drive progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste in the U.S. by 50% by 2030. This action is a continuation of the three agencies’ collaborative efforts to build a more sustainable future.

USDA Appoints Members to National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board

November 13, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of seven members to serve on the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. Six of the seven appointees will serve three-year terms, effective immediately through June 30, 2026. The other appointee will serve the remaining term of a vacant position, effective immediately and expiring June 30, 2025.

USDA Reapportions the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Membership and Makes Technical Amendments to the Beef Promotion and Research Order

November 10, 2023 USDA AMS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published in the Federal Register its final rule to adjust membership on the Beef Promotion and Research Board to reflect shifts in cattle inventory levels since the last board reapportionment in 2020, as required by the rules governing the board. The final rule was published Nov. 6, 2023, and goes into effect Dec. 6, 2023.

USDA Publishes New Standards for Organic Livestock and Poultry Production, Promotes More Competitive Organic Market

October 27, 2023 USDA

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today previewed the Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards (OLPS) final rule. This new rule establishes clear, strong and consistent standards for organic livestock and poultry production, levels the playing field for organic livestock farmers, ranchers and businesses and promotes fairer, more competitive markets for their products, while providing consumers with more transparency about their purchases.