Latest U.S. Department of Agriculture News

With organic fields next door, conventional farms dial up the pesticide use, study finds

Mar. 22, 2024 12:04 PM EDT

Champions of organic farming have long portrayed it as friendlier to humans and the earth. But a new study in a California county found a surprising effect as their acreage grew: Nearby conventional farms applied more pesticides, likely to stay on top of an increased insect threat to their crops,...

Nebraska governor reverses course and says state will take federal funding to feed children

Feb. 12, 2024 17:58 PM EST

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen reversed course on Monday and announced that the state will accept roughly $18 million in federal funding to help feed hungry children over the summer break. Pillen announced in December that the state would reject the funding,...

Tennessee plans only one year of extra federal summer food aid program for kids

Feb. 02, 2024 14:31 PM EST

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee only plans to participate for one year in a federal program that gives low-income families $40 per child per month to pay for food while school is out, the governor's office said Friday. Tennessee is among 35 states, all five U.S. territories and...

Advocacy groups are petitioning for the end of SNAP interview requirements

Jan. 16, 2024 12:56 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Student and legal advocacy groups are petitioning the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lift the interview requirement for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applicants to receive food aid. The groups argue the interview requirement is burdensome and...

USDA estimates 21 million kids will get summer food benefits through new program in 2024

Jan. 10, 2024 09:55 AM EST

Nearly 21 million children in the U.S. and its territories are expected to receive food benefits this summer through a newly permanent federal program, the United States Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday. Thirty-five states, all five U.S. territories and four tribes...