Oversight
Fund proposed for female farmers in USDA bias cases
Bill creating a $4.6 billion compensation fund may mark beginning of multibillion-dollar congressional effort to settle discrimination suits.
Oversight
USAID nomination raises agency questions
Agriculture official's nomination sparks concerns about the future of USDA research programs and USAID's relationship with State.
Oversight
Officials envision broader nutrition program
Agency heads say they will work together to develop a comprehensive approach toward improving school meals and reducing child obesity.
Oversight
Draft climate change bill puts USDA in lead on emissions
Proposal would require the Agriculture secretary and EPA administrator to develop a carbon credit program within one year of enactment.
Oversight
Deputy secretary asserts control over Agriculture budget
Kathleen Merrigan is planning to continue running the USDA budget, despite an organizational revamp.
Oversight
SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission issue oversight recommendations
The report calls on Congress clarify each agency's authority over products exempted by the other.
Oversight
New USDA research agency already wants more money
Observers worry that without adequate funding, the institute will get bogged down in battles over grants and congressional earmarks.
Oversight
Interagency debate over FAS role heats up
Senator questions why Agriculture agency, rather than USAID, is managing agricultural development efforts in Afghanistan.
Oversight
Timing of Senate food safety bill is uncertain
Legislation would expand FDA's access to firms' records on compliance and issue performance standards on food safety.
News
Pork producers seek extra help from a wary USDA
Group requests $250 million in assistance from Agriculture, but department indicates that more aid will be hard to come by.
Oversight
Senator pledges agriculture programs will continue
Head of Budget Committee says he expects agriculture programs to stay largely protected in the deficit reduction program he and the panel's ranking member have proposed.
Oversight
Agencies agree on conservation rules
Federal program, which will hold a sign-up in August, will pay farmers for maintaining and increasing conservation activities.
Management
Farm Service Agency has new boss after dairyman's exit
Jonathan Coppess takes over three days after leader appointed in April quit, saying the job was not what he expected.
Management
Senate Appropriations Committee approves Agriculture funding
Bill includes $13 million for sustainable food systems in countries with chronic food shortages.
Oversight
Report proposes conservation overhaul
Former officials recommend Interior Department fund be turned into an independent trust paid for by royalties from energy development on public lands.
Oversight
USDA official says People's Garden will promote organic standards
But Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan emphasized that gardening methods will not be dictated by headquarters.
Oversight
Black farmers want quicker USDA action on claims
Group is planning a protest Tuesday, despite a lengthy civil rights memorandum from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Oversight
Obama's USDA picks might signal revamped priorities
Nominations indicate that nutrition and agricultural research will become more of a focus.
Oversight
USDA officials pitch in to help with White House garden
Secretary Tom Vilsack helps in planting, while scientists plan to provide parasite-resistant honey bees for pollination.
Oversight
USDA secretary fills key posts in department
Janey Thornton, a former school nutrition director in Kentucky, will serve as deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services.
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