USDA

USDA Proposes Revising the Section 8e Import Inspection Fee Structure for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and other Products

June 23, 2024 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing revisions to the regulations governing the inspection and certification of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. These proposed changes include a per-pound fee structure for certain Section 8e import inspections, a minimum fee equivalent to a 2-hour charge computed at the current established hourly rate, whichever is greater, and a 50 percent reduction to the sublot fee. …

Partnership for a Healthier America and The Foundation for Fresh Produce Join Forces to Host First-Ever Produce for All Leadership Summit

June 13, 2024 The Foundation for Fresh Produce

Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) and the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foundation for Fresh Produceco-hosted the first-ever Produce for All Leadership Summit at the Grand Hyatt in Washington DC. This invite-only event gathered 130 leaders from across the business, public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors to share knowledge and create an actionable plan to double produce consumption in communities around the United States. …

Smithfield Foods Donates $500,000 to Feed NC Children During Summer Months

June 11, 2024 Smithfield Foods, Inc.

Smithfield Foods has donated $500,000 to fund SUN Bucks in North Carolina, a newly established, permanent USDA program that provides food assistance to children and families during the summer. …

USDA, University of Wisconsin-Madison Break Ground on New Dairy Research Facility

June 11, 2024 The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Wisconsin–Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a world-class dairy research facility that will expand the two organizations’ long-standing partnership to tackle key issues affecting dairy farms across the country. …

USDA Seeks Nominees for the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee

June 11, 2024 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Eligible nominees for producer member positions must be producers of grapes for the fresh market or officers or employees of producers. Eligible nominees for handler member positions must be handlers or officers or employees of handlers. Not more than two members and not more than two alternate members shall be affiliated with the same handler entity. The public member and alternate will be nominated at the first meeting of the newly seated Committee. …