USDA Announces Intent to Establish an Equity Commission, Solicits Nominations for Membership

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will establish an Equity Commission and is requesting nominations for membership on the Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. The Notice represents an important step towards implementing President Biden’s commitment to create an Equity Commission and the American Rescue Plan Act provision that directs USDA to "address historical discrimination and disparities in the agriculture sector… [through] one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and its programs."

AnnouncementDonn CooperOctober 25, 2021Equity, USDA

USDA Is Hiring!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area has over 600 paid student internships and entry-level career opportunities under the Pathways Program.

AnnouncementDonn CooperOctober 15, 2021USDA, Jobs

USDA Introduces New Insurance Policy for Farmers Who Sell Locally

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rolling out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers with small farms who sell locally. The new Micro Farm policy simplifies record keeping and covers post-production costs like washing and value-added products.

RMADonn CooperOctober 8, 2021Crop Insurance, Small Farmers, Local Markets

October Deadlines Approaching for Three Critical USDA Pandemic Assistance Programs

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted agricultural and forestry operations across the Nation. USDA offers financial assistance for a broad set of customers – from farmers and ranchers to timber harvesters and haulers – through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. With signup deadlines quickly approaching, USDA Farm Service Agency committed to reaching as many producers and businesses as possible to deliver this critical support.

FSADonn CooperOctober 6, 2021FSA, coronavirus, CFAP

USDA NRCS in Georgia and Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy Announce "Red Hill to the Coast, Connecting Land and Water" Sign-up

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Tall Timbers Research Station and Land Conservancy announced that a sign-up for the Red Hills to the Coast, Connecting Land and Water project is under way. The deadline for eligible landowners in Georgia to apply is November 5, 2021. The focus areas for this funding announcement are portions of Brooks County and Thomas County within the St. Marks River and Aucilla River watersheds.

NRCSDonn CooperOctober 4, 2021NRCS, EQIP

USDA NRCS Announces Signup for Conservation Easements in Georgia

State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph, for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia today announced a sign-up for this year’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). To be considered for the fiscal year 2022 funding pool, applications must be submitted by November 5, 2021.

NRCSDonn CooperOctober 4, 2021Conservation, Easements, ACEP

NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Sign-up Deadline Announced

State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph of the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the statewide cutoff for fiscal year 2022 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding. All Georgia agricultural producers and landowners who wish to be considered for this year’s technical and financial assistance should apply by November 5, 2021.

NRCSDonn CooperOctober 4, 2021EQIP, NRCS

USDA Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grants Program Opens October 6

The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers to assist them in their response to COVID-19. Funds can cover pandemic-related costs incurred between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2021, including workplace safety and pivoting to new marketing platforms.

AnnouncementDonn CooperSeptember 28, 2021coronavirus, Grants

RMA Makes Improvements to Whole-Farm Revenue Protection

Organic and aquaculture producers can soon benefit from updates to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) plan.

RMADonn CooperSeptember 16, 2021Whole Farm Revenue Program, Organic, Aquaculture

Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in Georgia for Barley, Canola, Oats, and Wheat Growers

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Georgia barley, canola, oats, and wheat growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2022 crop year is September 30. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the September 30 sales closing date to do so.

RMA, AnnouncementDonn CooperSeptember 16, 2021RMA, Crop Insurance, Wheat, Canola

Team Agriculture Georgia (TAG) has regular conference calls for members and interested parties on the third thursday of each month.

If your organization would like to join TAG, please email us.