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USDA Cuts Land-Access Program, Impacting Tribal Agriculture Projects

USDA Cuts Land-Access Program, Impacting Tribal Agriculture Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated previously awarded land-access grants, disrupting plans by tribal and Native-serving organizations. The Increasing Land, Capital and Market Access Program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, aimed to help beginning farmers secure land and build infrastructure. USDA awarded 50 grants totaling $300 million in 2023, but has since terminated 49 of those awards, citing concerns about spending and program structure. This decision affects projects like the Piikani Lodge Health Institute's producer training hub and industrial community kitchen.
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Rhode Island Awards $450K to Local Farmers and Fishers to Boost Food Security

Rhode Island Awards $450K to Local Farmers and Fishers to Boost Food Security

Rhode Island has allocated $450,000 in funding through the 2026 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act to support 25 local farmers, fishers, and specialty food producers. The awards were announced at Johnson & Wales University’s Harborside Campus, covering various categories such as agriculture, aquaculture, seafood, and food organizations. Governor Daniel J. McKee emphasized the importance of state-led investment in providing stability for local food producers amid uncertain federal funding. The LASA program, which has provided over $3.1 million in grants over the past 12 years, aims to strengthen Rhode Island's local food system by supporting the growth and marketing of state-grown produce and seafood. This year's grantees include initiatives to improve farm efficiency, expand market opportunities, and enhance food safety practices.
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USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Antiviral Fogging Technology Against Avian Influenza

USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Antiviral Fogging Technology Against Avian Influenza

USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Antiviral Fogging Technology Against Avian Influenza
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USDA Allocates $11.5 Million to Boost Iowa's Agriculture and Renewable Fuel Sectors

USDA Allocates $11.5 Million to Boost Iowa's Agriculture and Renewable Fuel Sectors

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced a significant financial boost for Iowa's agriculture and renewable fuel sectors. A total of $11.5 million in grants and loans will be distributed across 13 projects in the state. This funding aims to advance economic development, support value-added agricultural enterprises, and expand renewable fuel sales. Iowa State University will receive a $1.4 million grant to aid independent producers and processors in building agricultural enterprises. Additionally, six loans totaling over $5.9 million will be provided to various power cooperatives and municipal utilities to support manufacturing and processing facilities, creating new jobs. The USDA's Higher Blends Infrastructure and Incentive Program will also award over $4.1 million in grants to Iowa businesses to enhance ethanol and biodiesel sales infrastructure.
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USMCA's Impact on Mexican Agriculture Sparks Concerns Over Corn Imports

USMCA's Impact on Mexican Agriculture Sparks Concerns Over Corn Imports

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has led to a significant increase in U.S. corn imports to Mexico, raising concerns about the impact on Mexican agriculture. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Mexico's corn imports from the U.S. have increased dramatically since the agreement's inception, with most of the imported corn being genetically modified and used for industrial purposes. This surge in imports has led to a decline in domestic corn production, affecting local farmers. Agricultural producer organizations in Mexico are protesting against low corn prices and the lack of government support, demanding the exclusion of certain grains from the USMCA.
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Local Agriculture Faces Economic Challenges Amid Rising Costs and Market Shifts

Local Agriculture Faces Economic Challenges Amid Rising Costs and Market Shifts

Local Agriculture Faces Economic Challenges Amid Rising Costs and Market Shifts
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USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa to Boost Agriculture and Renewable Energy

USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa to Boost Agriculture and Renewable Energy

USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa to Boost Agriculture and Renewable Energy
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USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa's Rural Development for Economic Growth

USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa's Rural Development for Economic Growth

USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa's Rural Development for Economic Growth
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USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Novel Antiviral Fogging Technology Against Avian Influenza

USDA Funds $2M Project to Test Novel Antiviral Fogging Technology Against Avian Influenza

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $2 million to a research team led by Purdue University to evaluate a novel antiviral fogging technology aimed at combating high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The project involves using hydrogenated catmint oil (HCO) to target and inhibit the virus in poultry environments. The technology is designed to be deployed through fogging systems in commercial poultry and egg houses, where airborne virus transmission is a major driver of outbreaks. The research will assess HCO's antiviral effects in the lab, its safety in chickens, and its effectiveness in real-world poultry housing conditions.
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Vermont Economic Development Authority Allocates $13.9 Million for Statewide Projects

Vermont Economic Development Authority Allocates $13.9 Million for Statewide Projects

The Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) has approved nearly $13.9 million in funding for various business, agricultural, and infrastructure projects across the state. The funds, distributed between January 1 and March 31, 2026, support 32 projects in 10 Vermont counties. Key projects include the conversion of a former sawmill into a pellet mill in Newbury, infrastructure improvements in Winooski, and the rehabilitation of a flood-damaged property in Montpelier. The funding aims to promote downtown development, business growth, and recovery from natural disasters, reflecting VEDA's commitment to enhancing Vermont's economic resilience.
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Tungsten West CEO Announces Rapid Progress in Devon Mine Project to Address Supply Gap

Tungsten West CEO Announces Rapid Progress in Devon Mine Project to Address Supply Gap

Tungsten West CEO Announces Rapid Progress in Devon Mine Project to Address Supply Gap
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USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa's Rural Economy to Boost Agriculture and Renewable Energy

USDA Invests $11.5 Million in Iowa's Rural Economy to Boost Agriculture and Renewable Energy

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of $11.5 million in Iowa's rural economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy projects. This funding is distributed across 13 projects aimed at enhancing business access to capital and industrial services. Iowa State University's AgMRC received $1.4 million to support independent producers in building successful value-added agricultural businesses. Additionally, six loans totaling nearly $6 million were awarded through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. Notable projects include Kinetic Technologies LLC in Algona, Continental Manufacturing Chemist Inc. in Huxley, and Hemp Agra LLC in Rock Valley, each receiving substantial funding for expansion and job creation. Furthermore, six grants through the Higher Blends Infrastructure and Incentive Program will expand renewable fuel sales, with projects like Molo Petroleum LLC installing E15 dispensers projected to increase biofuel sales sign...