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During Native American Heritage Month, USDA Science recognizes the invaluable contributions that Native American employees have made in advancing agricultural science and innovation that benefits us all. From advancing Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in research to ensuring the next generation of agriculture is inspired to lead—the employees spotlighted below are an integral part of carrying out USDA’s mission.
The Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust (PPLT) is a Tribally led nonprofit organization committed to reconnecting and empowering various Indigenous peoples throughout the Northeast. The Land Trust acts as a catalyst for change, addressing critical issues related to land reclamation and food insecurity for the Pocasset Wampanoag tribe and other marginalized communities. Through its targeted initiatives, PPLT empowers communities across New England to reclaim agricultural practices and enhance local food sovereignty. These efforts not only improve access to fresh, healthy food but also foster a sense of community and cultural pride among Indigenous peoples in the Northeast.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2024 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced next steps and selections within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Water-Saving Commodities program to support agricultural commodity production while reducing water losses in communities across the West. Today, USDA is announcing the preliminary selection of three Congressionally-authorized Indian Irrigation Projects supported by the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of a new online portal to manage civil rights discrimination complaints more efficiently and transparently. The USDA Civil Rights Management System (CRMS) Program Discrimination Complaint electronic submission portal will streamline the filing of complaints by USDA customers who believe they have experienced discrimination when they apply for USDA services or participate in USDA programs or USDA-funded programs.
On April 10, 2024, I received a call from my dad asking me to come help him at our family farm there had been an accident. The front axle of my dad’s tractor had broken in half, and he had jumped off the tractor before it tipped over. When I arrived at the farm, my dad couldn’t walk. I called a local ambulance to transport him to a trauma center in Topeka, Kan., for evaluation of his leg. The X-rays revealed a fracture in his tibia (shinbone), which led to emergency surgery.
“I had a plan, or maybe it was more of a dream,” said Brad Fourby, Navy veteran and owner of Leafy Green Farms. “The moment I saw a shipping container farm is how the idea for my farm started.” Leafy Green Farms is in southeast Kansas, where the population is 20,000 — a big difference from Brad’s hometown of Sacramento, California.
Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family gather to celebrate together, and the center of the action is the kitchen. Pots and pans will be full of collard greens and gravy while a turkey cooks in the oven. With so many moving parts, it is key that the preparation and cooking areas get fully cleaned and sanitized to avoid the spread of bacteria that causes foodborne illness.
For first-time hosts, or even experienced cooks, the Thanksgiving turkey can be a nerve-wracking dish to prepare once a year. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has some tips to reduce any anxiety over cooking your turkey this year.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture, conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), collected more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. This included information on organic agriculture like producer characteristics (15% were under the age of 35, for example), farm specialization and top states and counties.
To ensure that veterans have opportunities to enter high-demand career fields, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leverages apprenticeship programs. USDA recently strengthened its Commodity Food Grader’s Apprenticeship Program by expanding its scope from regional to national. As a result, transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses from across the country can now participate.
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