The U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture (DOE and USDA) today announced $4 million for bio-based fuels research that will accelerate the development of alternative fuels.

No associated text to display

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the selection of Gary W. Mast as Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). Mast succeeds Merlyn Carlson, who retired from the position on Jan. 5, 2007

No associated text to display

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services' Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced a new collaboration with states and private industry to protect the nation's food supply from terrorist threats.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today designated 31 counties in Mississippi as primary agricultural disaster areas, making certain farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers in the counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior today announced final test results, which confirm that no avian influenza virus was found in samples collected earlier this month from wild Northern pintail ducks in Ohio.

No associated text to display

No associated text to display

The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior today announced final test results, which confirm that a low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus was found in samples collected last month from wild Green-winged Teals in Illinois. LPAI has been detected several times in wild birds in North America and poses no risk to human health.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Director-General Jacques Diouf of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today signed a Framework Agreement to coordinate technical assistance between USDA and the FAO. The agreement will help to address issues important to agriculture, such as chronic hunger, plant and animal diseases including avian influenza, conservation, genetic resources and the growing demand for renewable energy resources.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Mike Johanns and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel Bodman today announced nearly $17.5 million for 17 biomass research, development and demonstration projects, to help break our nation's addiction to oil.

No associated text to display

Transcript Of Press Briefing By Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Geneva, Switzerland Friday, June 30, 2006

USDA provides grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers, businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities to purchase renewable energy systems and make other energy efficiency improvements, to increase the economic viability of biomass projects, and to finance energy technology.

USDA provides homeownership opportunities to rural Americans, as well as programs for home renovation and repair. USDA also makes financing available to elderly, disabled, or low-income rural residents of multi-unit housing buildings to ensure they are able to make rent payments.

Program regulations, funds available in fiscal year 2006, a listing of programs and initiatives, state and national staff.

Effectiveness of Federal assistance programs, and factors influencing infrastructure, agribusiness, and the industrial base of rural areas.

Programs and applications for financial assistance available through state offices. Map or text links can help find the nearest office.

Strategies on energy, water, housing, business, tourism, environment.