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USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Regulation of Genetically Engineered Organisms

USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Regulation of Genetically Engineered Organisms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public input on the future regulation of genetically engineered (GE) organisms under the Plant Protection Act. This follows a court decision vacating USDA's 2020 SECURE rule, which had modernized biotechnology regulations. The USDA is exploring a more risk-proportionate regulatory approach and is considering whether modified organisms could be regulated under existing frameworks for conventional plant pests. The RFI also addresses the regulation of emerging agricultural technologies, including microbial products and biotechnology-enabled products, and seeks feedback on field trial oversight and commercialization barriers.
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USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Biotechnology Regulation Amid Evolving Agricultural Policies

USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Biotechnology Regulation Amid Evolving Agricultural Policies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather public input on the future regulation of genetically engineered (GE) organisms under the Plant Protection Act. This move follows a 2024 court decision that vacated the USDA's 2020 SECURE rule, which had modernized biotechnology regulations. The USDA is considering a shift towards a more risk-based regulatory framework and is seeking feedback on whether to continue distinguishing between conventional and GE organisms. The RFI also addresses the regulation of emerging agricultural technologies, such as microbial products and biotechnology-enabled products, and seeks input on field trial oversight, commercialization barriers, and trade implications. This initiative coincides with congressional attention to plant biostimulants in the pending Farm Bill, which could influence future regulatory approaches.
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USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Biotechnology Regulation Amid Evolving Policies

USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Biotechnology Regulation Amid Evolving Policies

USDA Seeks Public Input on Future Biotechnology Regulation Amid Evolving Policies
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USDA Allocates $275 Million for Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

USDA Allocates $275 Million for Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a significant investment of over $275 million for fiscal year 2026 to support specialty crop research, sustainability programs, and mechanization technologies. This funding aims to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce labor dependency in sustainable farming systems. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government, which has committed an additional $200 million towards sustainable agriculture research, bringing the total investment to over $1 billion. The focus is on developing alternatives to pesticides and promoting lower-chemical farming practices. This move is expected to bolster the sustainable agriculture market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
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Agdia Launches New Test Kit for Coguviruses in Cucurbit Crops

Agdia Launches New Test Kit for Coguviruses in Cucurbit Crops

Agdia Launches New Test Kit for Coguviruses in Cucurbit Crops
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Agdia Launches Rapid Test Kit for Emerging Coguviruses in Cucurbit Crops

Agdia Launches Rapid Test Kit for Emerging Coguviruses in Cucurbit Crops

Agdia Launches Rapid Test Kit for Emerging Coguviruses in Cucurbit Crops
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USDA Programs Offer Support to Mississippi Farmers Affected by Severe Weather

USDA Programs Offer Support to Mississippi Farmers Affected by Severe Weather

Severe weather, including tornadoes, has caused significant damage to agricultural operations in Mississippi, impacting farms, livestock, and infrastructure. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing a range of programs to assist farmers in recovering from these losses. According to Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce, farmers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Centers to report damages and learn about available assistance. Programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Tree Assistance Program are designed to address specific needs, including livestock losses, feed damage, and replanting of trees and vines. Additionally, low-interest emergency loans are available for producers in disaster-declared areas to help replace damaged property, purchase equipment, and cover essential expenses. Conservation programs are also being offered to restore damaged l...
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Severe Weather and Drought Devastate Kansas Wheat Yields

Severe Weather and Drought Devastate Kansas Wheat Yields

Kansas, the leading wheat-producing state in the U.S., is facing a significant agricultural crisis due to extreme weather conditions. According to a recent crop tour by the Wheat Quality Council, the state's wheat yield is estimated at 38.9 bushels per acre, a sharp decline from last year's 53 bushels per acre. Persistent drought, which has affected 71% of the nation's winter wheat growing areas, combined with frost, freezes, and diseases like wheat streak mosaic, has severely impacted crop health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has projected a 25% drop in winter wheat production, primarily due to reduced Hard Red Winter wheat output. Farmers across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska are reporting stunted growth, early maturation, and significant damage, with some fields deemed unharvestable. Wheat prices have surged as a result, reflecting the market's response to these dire conditions.
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Cotton Prices Surge Amid Speculative Market Shifts and Global Supply Concerns

Cotton Prices Surge Amid Speculative Market Shifts and Global Supply Concerns

Cotton Prices Surge Amid Speculative Market Shifts and Global Supply Concerns
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USDA Programs Offer Support to Storm-Affected Farmers in Mississippi

USDA Programs Offer Support to Storm-Affected Farmers in Mississippi

Severe weather, including tornadoes, has caused significant damage to agricultural operations in Mississippi, impacting farms, livestock, and infrastructure. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing a variety of programs to assist farmers in recovering from these losses. According to Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce, farmers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Centers to report damages and learn about available assistance. Programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program offer financial support for livestock losses, feed damage, and other agricultural impacts. Additionally, the Tree Assistance Program helps tree growers restore or replant damaged trees, bushes, and vines. Farmers are urged to report damages promptly to ensure timely processing of claims and access to financial aid.
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China agrees to boost trade for US ag products such as beef and poultry following Trump-Xi summit

China agrees to boost trade for US ag products such as beef and poultry following Trump-Xi summit

The White House says China has agreed to increase its imports of U.S. agricultural products like beef and poultry, after President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing last week
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USDA Reopens Conservation Aid for Disaster Recovery in Connecticut

USDA Reopens Conservation Aid for Disaster Recovery in Connecticut

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reopened the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) in Connecticut to assist farmers in recovering from the 2023 drought and 2024 floods. The application period for this aid runs from May 18, 2026, to July 17, 2026. This initiative, managed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides both financial and technical support to restore farmland affected by natural disasters. The program targets areas impacted by water shortages and flood damage, offering cost-share assistance for recovery expenses. Eligible farmers can receive up to 75% of recovery costs, with beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers eligible for up to 90%. Advance payments are also available, but must be used within 60 days. Farmers must apply before starting repairs and comply with environmental review requirements.