USDA’s South Building Cafeteria in Washington, DC is now a food court open to the public with multiple vendors providing lots of food options such as American, Korean, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. If you’re visiting the Nation’s Capital, be sure to stop by.
Today's designation protects lands that have tremendous significance spiritually, scientifically, and economically, and honors our promise to Tribal Nations.
One year ago today
@POTUS
signed the Inflation Reduction Act, the most ambitious climate policy action in U.S. history. Thanks to this unprecedented investment,
@USDA
has been able to provide resources across rural America & strengthen American agriculture
.
@USDA
People’s Gardens help communities experience the benefits & joy of urban gardening. I stopped by the Texas Discovery Garden to see how people in the Fort Worth area enjoy theirs. This oasis offers fresh produce & educational resources for local residents.
#PeoplesGarden
USDA’s first-ever agribusiness trade mission to Angola is happening Nov. 28 - Dec. 1, 2023, and we're now accepting applications from U.S. exporters who wish to participate. Apply by the Aug. 25 deadline
I'm honored to be a part of the designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, marking the fifth new national monument created by
@POTUS
and the 14th national monument under
@forestservice
.
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to creating healthier, brighter futures for our children. The funds announced today will help small & rural school districts modernize their operations & provide more nutritious meals, helping students succeed in the classroom & beyond
Thanks to
@POTUS
' Inflation Reduction Act, the largest clean energy and climate investment in history,
@USDA
has seen record demand for clean energy programs. These funds are helping to advance affordable and reliable clean energy in rural America.
Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer for so many across our country. She inspired people to step into the arena and take on the work of public service, building a legacy that will live on for generations. She will be missed.
The Biden-Harris Administration is making record investments in rural communities, so people don’t have to leave the communities they love. We're doing this by creating new market opportunities for small and mid-sized farmers.
Today and every day, we thank those who work hard to produce the bounty that feeds, fuels and clothes the U.S. and the world. Happy National Farmer's Day 💕
I wish everyone a happy and safe New Year! As we enter 2024, our team at
@USDA
is ready to continue working to uplift American agriculture, enrich rural communities, and deliver exceptional products and services to create a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
I’m honored to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture alongside
@SecVilsack
. Looking forward to being a voice and champion for America’s rural communities, families, farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers.
USDA is proud to continue partnering w/
@SBAgov
to expand opportunities for rural technical assistance providers, entrepreneurs & small business owners. Today's MOU will provide resources to help rural businesses compete in domestic & international markets
USDA's Native American Heritage Month theme "Indigenous Foods: The Intersection Between Land, Food and Culture," speaks to the impact indigenous foods can make in addressing contemporary challenges in land stewardship and food insecurity and revitalizing traditional food systems.
For generations, Hispanic-serving Institutions have helped enrich and empower the lives of students across our country. Today,
@USDA
announced a $15.5 million investment in
@USDA_NIFA
's HSI Education Grants Program to help promote and strengthen HSIs.
This
#MLKDay
, let us pay tribute to Dr. King’s courage and sacrifice. I challenge you to participate in a service project as a way to give back to our neighbors, build up our communities, and create lasting change that will benefit future generations for years to come.
When school is out, the new, permanent SUN Bucks program provides a lifeline to kids. That's why USDA is providing $100 million in grants to help states improve the technology systems that deliver SUN Bucks to families and ensure kids are fed.
Ended my visit to
@ncatsuaggies
with some remarkable 1890 scholars! Each generation of agriculture professionals faces new challenges but this generation, and the generations after them, give me hope that we will rise to the occasion to meet these challenges with opportunity.
It was a pleasure to join Congresswoman
@RepJasmine
for today’s visit to Bonton Farms in Dallas. As a transformative hub, Bonton Farms partners with local organizations to uplift the community.
I’m excited to be in Philadelphia with
@SecVilsack
today. We’re visiting Walter B. Saul High School, where students are getting hands-on experience growing and marketing their products. These students are the farmers and agriculture professionals of the future!
It's always a fun start to the week when I have the chance to welcome over 300
@4H
'ers to The People's Department! The values, traditions, and skills that 4-H teaches show up everywhere across
@USDA
. I'm grateful to be in the presence of so many rising stars today!
This week, I was in Yakima, WA, to announce a number of investments that will support local jobs & healthy forests. It was great meeting with community, Tribal leaders and
@forestservice
staff who are committed to strong stewardship of our shared lands for generations to come!
#WomenInAg
play an incredibly important role in ensuring global food security. Check out this blog I co-authored w/ Under Secretary for
@USDAForeignAg
Alexis Taylor on this topic &
@USDA
's kickoff event for the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer!
As Under Secretary for
@usdaRD
, I have seen first hand how employees show up to make sure that
@USDA
remains the People's Department. I'm looking forward to continuing the work to support our workforce and the important service they provide to communities across the country.
A career in agriculture is not only rewarding but diverse with opportunities in all types of fields such as agricultural, science, management and more!
@USDA
is hiring hundreds of Pathway student trainees nationwide. Check out some of our job listings:
I had a great lunch today with a few of
@USDA
’s appointees. These individuals work hard in helping us achieve our mission to serve the American public.
I had a great time touring New Mexico State University with
@RepGabeVasquez
today! Since FY21,
@nmsu
has received $39.1 million in
@USDA_NIFA
grants, helping develop the next generation of scientists, researchers, and agricultural leaders.
USDA's Farmers Market is back in season! If you're in the DC Metropolitan area, be sure to stop by our farmers market every Friday from 10AM-2PM (till Oct. 25), and support more than 30 farmers, ranchers & small food businesses. Or find a market near you:
Fall is peak internship hiring season, both for USDA agencies and students across the country. With deadlines fast approaching, I encourage students who are interested in a career in agriculture to apply for one of our many positions here at
@USDA
:
Sept 15-Oct 15 is
#HispanicHeritageMonth
, a time to celebrate & recognize the history, traditions & cultural diversity of Latinos. This year’s theme serves as a reminder of the unity that binds us as a diverse society & the importance of advancing inclusivity & fairness at USDA.
As part of
@USDA
's new effort to support the U.S. specialty crops sector, we launched a Specialty Crops Resource Directory as a one-stop shop that contains a comprehensive snapshot of USDA’s resources & services for specialty crops producers & businesses.
On
#InternationalWomensDay
, we honor the unwavering dedication of so many women to foster inclusive environments, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for equal opportunities. Let us remember the strides we have taken toward a more inclusive future.
#WomensHistoryMonth
Today,
@USDA
and
@reinvestfund
are announcing awards to help organizations strengthen local food programs and improve access to healthy foods across the country. More than $40M in grants will be awarded to 16 partnerships in 20 states and Washington, D.C.
It's great to be back in Louisiana! I visited
@southernuniv24
and
@LSU
today to chat with students about career development and meet with university leadership on climate-smart agriculture and other ways
@USDA_NIFA
can support our future leaders in agriculture.
Equity takes a willingness to speak up & find solutions when resources aren’t reaching people who need it most. The Equity Commission is doing the hard work of identifying ways
@USDA
can best support farmers, farm workers & a food system that serves us all
This week
@USDA
's Equity Commission is holding its 6th public meeting. The Equity Commission has been instrumental in helping
@USDA
move closer to our goal of making our programs and policies more equitable for those we serve.
Since Day 1, the Biden-Harris Administration &
@USDA
have taken action to strengthen American infrastructure & create good-paying jobs. Today’s $1.3 billion investment will ensure rural Americans have access to reliable, affordable energy & clean water.
Had the absolute pleasure of meeting fourth grader and
@4H
member Ethan. His essay was chosen among 400+ entries from students across the state about why he loved West Virginia's Forest and public lands.
Today,
@USDA
held its 2024 MLK Day of Service Observance. I had the pleasure of speaking alongside
@SenatorWarnock
and Dr. Penny Brown-Reynolds as we celebrated and honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today,
@USDA
Chief Scientist Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young and I teamed up for a visit to
@UFCALS
, where we had the opportunity to explore UF's cutting-edge ag research and engage with students who are at the forefront of ag science, food, and farming.
During
#BlackHistoryMonth
, we celebrate the history, culture and stories of Black Americans and their many contributions to our country.
@USDA
is committed to making the People's Department more inclusive & accessible as we work to advance equity across our programs and services.
Summer months are especially challenging for families dealing with food insecurity.
@USDA
is helping families put healthy foods on the table through the Feds Feed Families campaign & I’m proud of the effort our employees have put into this campaign to fight hunger and serve hope.
In just two years,
@RURALgov
has shown that incredible progress is possible when people inside and outside government from all walks of life work together to solve problems and better serve rural people.
At
@USDA
, we celebrate agriculture every day. This
#NationalAgDay
, let's pay extra gratitude to the farmers, farmworkers, ranchers, fishers, foresters, and other agricultural workers who feed, clothe, and fuel the U.S. and the world. We need them.
USDA has selected 28 organizations to host members of
@USDA
’s Working Lands Climate Corps, and prospective applicants can now apply for available positions at the selected host sites.
Wanted to take this time to wish
@USDA
's very own
@SecVilsack
a happy birthday! Thank you, sir, for your invaluable leadership in U.S. agriculture and continuing to fight for America's producers and ranchers 🎉
As the granddaughter of farm workers, my life was made possible through hard work in the fields. On Farmworker Appreciation Day and every day, I’m grateful to the unsung heroes whose challenging work feeds and nourishes our communities.
Today
@USDA
celebrated our joint efforts with
@USUN
in support of the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer. It’s great to see so many partners and stakeholders here – including representatives from the embassies of some of the countries that cosponsored the UN resolution!
Through
@POTUS
' historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,
@USDA
is partnering with small towns, cooperatives, local utilities and private companies working to ensure that people, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed internet.
No child should go hungry because they lose access to school meals during the summer. Today I proudly stand among the individuals who have worked tirelessly to implement
@USDA
's new Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids.
#NoKidHungry
Learned something new with
@RepShontelBrown
at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Cleveland today as we heard about the school's community garden from the kids who put in the work to make it thrive!
César Chávez taught the world that starving farmworkers will lead to hungry people everywhere. Today
@USDA
honored his legacy, recognizing that the work of equity is never finished. We will continue to support farmworkers and farmers and broaden agricultural opportunities for all
Today,
@Rep_Stansbury
& I visited the Pueblo of Sandia's fire station to see the future impact a $1.4 million grant from
@USDA_RD
will have on the community. This investment will help purchase a new fire truck, EMT vehicle & other critically important emergency response equipment
I toured
@UWMadison
's D.C. Smith Greenhouse to see how UW is working with
@USDA
to advance climate-smart practices & sustainability. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is making investments in ag research, agriculture & food science programs, & scholarship opportunities.
Young people are at the forefront of agriculture, leading America toward a new era of progress. I was thrilled to join
@NationalFFA
at tonight’s fireside chat! There, I had the opportunity to discuss what
@USDA
is doing to provide a pathway for young people to enter careers in ag
During Hispanic Heritage Month at
@USDA
, we are celebrating the spirit of innovation, resilience and unity that defines the Hispanic experience, as well as recognizing those who have been trailblazers and game changers in the Hispanic community, paving the way for future leaders.
The Biden-Harris Administration and
@USDA
are committed to expanding access to modern clean energy systems and fueling options that strengthen the nation’s energy independence while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money.
I always enjoy meeting with students who are just as passionate about agriculture as I am! Today I met with a group of
@USDA_NIFA
NextGen students who are in DC to attend
#AgOutlook100
and learn more about career opportunities at both
@USDA
and the broader private food/ag sector.
Honored to be in WI for an Investing in America Town Hall w/
@SecVilsack
. We learned about ways WI is engaging in climate-smart ag practices & discussed how the Biden-Harris Administration has invested in small & mid-sized farmers to ensure they get a fair share of the food dollar
Joined
@WhiteHouse
National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi &
@ENERGY
Dep Sec
@turkdm
at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township, MI, to highlight IRA investments & announce more than $1.3B in New ERA awards to Wolverine Power Cooperative & Hoosier Energy
Honored to welcome USDA's Tribal Advisory Committee yesterday! The group held their first in-person meeting here at
@USDA
to discuss our progress on tribal policies and advise
@SecVilsack
and myself on Indian Country priorities.
The work that our
@USDAForeignAg
Foreign Service Officers do everyday matters to all Americans. We’re working to grow our
#ForeignService
ranks in a way that best represents America and 🇺🇸agriculture. Learn more about becoming an
#AgAttache
here:
Thank you Randy and Tanya for letting me visit your family's farm today. As a
@USDA
Rural Energy for America Program recipient, West Star Farm was awarded a grant to install 3 solar electric arrays that will produce 100% of their energy use, saving them $10,162 a year.
The
@forestservice
is offering many paid student internship positions with deadlines fast approaching! The program provides students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers:
Had a wonderful time touring booths at
#Farmfest24
with
@SenTinaSmith
and seeing the diversity of agriculture in Minnesota! We got the chance to talk to producers about their operations and most pressing issues.
I'm pleased to announce a $250 million investment through
@forestservice
's Community Wildfire Defense Grants to reduce wildfire risk to communities across state, private, and Tribal lands, thanks to
@POTUS
' Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Honored to join
@SenSchumer
, fellow
@USDA
colleagues, and
@Cornell
leaders today for the groundbreaking of a new
@USDA_ARS
research facility on
@CornellCALS
campus that will house the ARS Grape Genetics Research Unit and Plant Genetic Resources Unit.
Glad to be in WA today with
@RepKimSchrier
to make today's announcement! Joining with state partners to invest in conservation, we are making a real difference in the communities that depend on these forests.
Earlier this week, I had a wonderful visit to Cleveland, OH, with
@RepShontelBrown
who not only brought me to
@OhioAerospace
to see the excitement around urban agriculture and precision agriculture but also took me to the elementary school she attended.
Farmers markets are important for local food access. This week, consider visiting your local farmers market to pick up some fresh produce!
@USDA_AMS
' Local Food Portal can help locate a market near you:
#FarmersMarketWeek
Welcoming holiday joy today at
@USDA
Headquarters as I joined my colleagues to celebrate the annual tree lighting! Both the USDA tree and
@USCapitolTree
's 63-foot Norway spruce came from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.
I'm in Toledo with
@RepMarcyKaptur
to discuss the impact the Urban and Community Forestry Program will have on communities in Ohio. Urban trees & green spaces are critical to making communities more resilient to extreme heat & mitigating the effects of climate change.
I was thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of so many individuals across
@USDA
yesterday at the second Secretary's Honor Awards! This year's awardees have accomplished great things, and I'm honored to work alongside such inspirational colleagues.
Had a great time touring
@AquilasNestWine
with
@RepJahanaHayes
! As a
@usdaRD
REAP recipient, the vineyard received $58,968 to purchase and install a ground mounted PV solar system, replacing enough electricity to power 3 homes.
Welcomed
@USDA
student interns and other early career talent yesterday! As they begin their journey with us, I encourage them to seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. I'm excited to see the incredible contributions they'll make to our shared mission!
It's a beautiful day to celebrate the groundbreaking of a
@USDA
project that helps the Tohono O'odham Nation get affordable high-speed internet access to tribal residents in the most remote areas of Arizona.
This afternoon, I met with a group of our Wisconsin USDA staff. It's folks like them who work hard every day to help meet the needs of local farmers and producers across the U.S. Without them,
@USDA
could never truly be “The People’s Department.” Thank you for the lovely visit!
Today I'm proud to announce an investment of nearly $154 million in 26 projects that will conserve approximately 168,000 acres of private forests across 17 states.
Inspiring morning at
@FIU
! It was good to spend time with a number of brilliant students and learn about the work they're doing on campus. Their passion & dedication to tackling real-world challenges is truly remarkable. FIU, you are cultivating the next generation of innovators!
I'm pleased to announce 19 minority-serving educational institutions who will take part in the 2024
@USDA
Agricultural Export Market Challenge. The Challenge is a testament to the bright future ahead for agriculture.
Last week, I had the opportunity to sign my name in
@CornellCALS
' visitor's log from 1882. Cornell is one of our country's oldest and most esteemed land grant universities. I'm honored to have had the chance to sign this incredibly old (and cool!) book.
I had the pleasure of welcoming 14 interns from migrant & farmworker backgrounds as part of the HEP/CAMP internship program. We had a great conversation about what brought them to
@USDA
& why their presence is so valuable here. Wishing them much success!
Join me for a weekly Q&A series where I'll be answering questions on what
@USDA
is doing to support young farmers. To kick things off, this week's topic is about new market opportunities.
Today I'm happy to announce
@usdafsa
's exciting new Pay My Loan feature - a secure, online repayment option on
@farmersgov
allowing individual loan payments to be made at the borrower’s convenience.
During my visit to Mozambique, I stopped by a
@forestservice
site that is sharing its land management expertise and working with local partners to restore mangroves in Mozambique.
Thank you Mike for the lovely tour of
@80AcresFarms
! Located in SW Ohio, the farm previously received
@usdaRD
funding & is a leading vertical farming company that grows pesticide-free & produces entirely indoors using 100% renewal energy & 95% less water than a traditional farm.
From the field to the factory, from the classroom to the boardroom, women are fundamental to the future of agriculture.
@USDA
is proud to have led the U.S. government’s efforts in support of declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Yesterday, I was happy to join
@SecVilsack
, National Farmers Union President
@roblarew
and
@NFUDC
members at the 2024 Fall Legislative Fly-In. While there, I shared how
@USDA
is committed to better understanding family farmers and ranchers experiences.
Today
@USDA
hosted a "Take Our Children to Work Day" event to celebrate our youth and prepare them to navigate the evolving world of work! We aim to inspire the next generation of ag leaders and show them the limitless career opportunities available in my favorite industry.
Thrilled to welcome the 2024 Class of E. Kika De La Garza Fellows to
@USDA
this week! Supporting minority-serving institutions is a main priority for
@SecVilsack
and myself. Today, we discussed ways USDA can better support their institutions.