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Agriculture

HHS, FDA and USDA address the health risks of ultra-processed foods

WASHINGTON — Under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture are accelerating federal efforts to address the growing concerns around ultra-processed foods and the current epidemic of diet-related chronic disease that is plaguing America. The agencies are announcing a joint Request for Information (RFI) to gather information and data to help establish a federally recognized uniform definition ...

Ag Progress Days’ displays showcase advanced technology, animal health, invasives

UNIVERSITY PARK — A new initiative aimed at developing emerging and advanced technologies to enhance food production, agricultural ecosystems and natural resources will be one of the focal points of the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building at Penn State’s 2025 Ag Progress Days, starting Tuesday. Displays and presentations will highlight the college’s recently launched Technology for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative. The initiative is designed to bring researchers and extension specialists together across disciplines to create real-world solutions that boost ...

Investment to strengthen food supply chain

HARRISBURG — The Shapiro Administration recently announced over $21 million in federally-funded grants to 77 farms and food manufacturers to increase capacity, drive growth, and provide opportunity throughout Pennsylvania’s food supply chain. “Pennsylvania is investing to feed our future through a stronger local supply chain, which means healthier communities, thriving businesses, more job opportunities, and more resilience in challenging times,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Historically, partnerships with the federal government have expanded ...

Investment of $500,000 to support urban farmers

​MELROSE PARK, Pa. — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding has announced 21 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants totaling $502,140 to projects that help address long-standing challenges urban farmers face in growing local, farm-fresh produce in city neighborhoods in 10 counties across Pennsylvania. Secretary Redding made this announcement after touring The Farm at Wyncote Academy in Montgomery County, where a grant will fund a new fruit tree orchard, expanding outdoor, hands-on science and career learning opportunities for at-risk middle and high school students. “Seeing a ...

USDA invests $80 million to expand timber markets, protect forests

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the U.S. Forest Service is awarding $80 million in Wood Innovation Grants to spur wood products manufacturing, expand active forest management, and accelerate energy innovation across America’s timber-producing communities. “The United States is blessed with a bounty of natural resources that we must properly manage to sustain our future economy and boost rural communities. Proper forest use and management lowers our reliance on foreign products and is inherently aligned with President Trump’s America ...

USDA launches new plan to bolster meat and poultry safety

ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a comprehensive plan to bolster USDA’s efforts to combat foodborne illness July 15 at the opening of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new, modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. The plan better positions USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which is responsible for ensuring meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and properly labeled, to protect the nation’s food supply. FSIS will continue to work in close collaboration with partners like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ...