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Agriculture

US secures ag market access in Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced American agricultural producers will have greater market access to Thailand and Vietnam and maintained access to Brazil. The Trump Administration continues to break down non-tariff barriers and defend current market access, and these latest actions are some of many wins ahead for American producers. U.S. dairy producers will have maintained access to Brazil markets, citrus and apple growers will be able to sell more products to Thailand, and stone fruit growers will face lower non-tariff trade barriers in Vietnam as a ...

Funding increased to reimburse states for food safety inspections

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced she will exercise the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) authority to provide a much-needed funding increase of $14.5 million in reimbursements to states for meat and poultry inspection programs. Without this funding, States may not have the resources to continue their own inspection programs which ensure products are safe. This funding increase ensures American produced meat and poultry can make it to market and onto the tables of families across the country. “President Trump is committed to ensuring ...

State waivers approved to remove unhealthy foods from SNAP

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed waivers to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Indiana and Iowa, each commencing in 2026. Earlier in May, Secretary Rollins signed the first-ever waiver of this kind in Nebraska. “President Trump has given our nation a once in a generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country. On my first day as Secretary, I sent a call to states to innovate, and Governors Jim Pillen, Kim Reynolds, Mike Braun, Sarah Huckabee ...

Sweeten this summer on Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail

CARLISLE — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger had a sweet start to their summer recently at Destiny Dairy Bar, one of 51 PA Preferred® creameries featured this year on Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. “Pennsylvania ice cream is the sweetest you’ll find anywhere,” Secretary Redding said. “Meeting a farm family, seeing where they work their magic, and trying fresh-made local ice cream makes summer even sweeter when you know your purchases help support Pennsylvania farms and keep our economy ...

Relief for livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfire

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. Emergency relief payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024, and do ...

USDA serves up food safety guidelines for summer cookouts

WASHINGTON — As friends and families get ready to kick off summer by firing up the grill and serving foods at a cookout, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shares some tips to keep your celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we’re cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures,” said FSIS Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “We have simple but effective steps that can keep you and your family safe while enjoying those outdoor ...