Economy Oct 27 Rural areas to receive $759 million in grants for high-speed internet By Josh Boak, Associated Press
Health Oct 14 USDA wants to update poultry production to combat foodborne illnesses The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing sweeping changes in the way chicken and turkey meat is processed in an effort to reduce salmonella illnesses from food contamination. By David Pitt, Associated Press
Politics Jul 21 WATCH: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack testifies on immigration reform for farm workers Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is on Capitol Hill testifying about the need for immigrant farm workers and how changing the current system is beneficial not only to the workers but all Americans. By News Desk
Nation May 15 WATCH: Ivanka Trump, agriculture secretary tour launch of family food box program Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and White House adviser Ivanka Trump on Friday toured a Maryland food service distributor that's participating in the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. By Darlene Superville, Associated Press
Education Jul 05 U.S. schools rethink ‘lunch shaming’ policies that humiliate children with meal debts New Mexico this year became the first to outlaw school meal shaming. Several other states are weighing similar laws. By Morgan Lee, Associated Press
Mar 16 Trump’s budget cuts drastically into science and health programs By Nsikan Akpan The White House’s budget proposal for 2018, released Thursday, seeks cuts in science and health agencies across the board. Yet, some budgetary wallets will be lightened more than others. Continue reading
Aug 30 Agriculture Department closes offices in five states after anonymous email threat By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press In an email to employees, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said USDA is closing the offices "due to the serious nature of these threats." He did not characterize the threats, but asked employees to be aware of their surroundings and report… Continue reading
Jul 14 Congress approves bill requiring first GMO food labels By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Consumers wanting to know if their foods contain genetically modified ingredients will be able to find out for the first time. Continue reading
May 23 What is mechanical tenderizing, and why is it hazardous to your steak? By Lydia Zuraw, Kaiser Health News A new label on some of the steaks in your grocery store highlights a production process you may have never heard of: mechanical tenderizing. Continue reading
Sep 04 From eggs to trees, USDA’s promotional programs have courted controversy By Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press WASHINGTON — The slogans are familiar: "The Incredible Edible Egg," ''Pork: The Other White Meat," and "Got Milk?" They've all been part of promotional campaigns overseen by the Agriculture Department and paid for by the industries that vote to organize… Continue reading