usda

According to the latest USDA Food Prices Outlook, food prices moved higher, both month-over-month and year-over-year.   "For all food prices increased by .2% in December and they were 2.5% higher than they were in December of 2023,” noted USDA economist Megan Sweitzer.  She added, when co...

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Development announced that it will invest $94 million in Yakama Power's Clean Energy Project.  The funds come via the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program, PACE, where rural electric cooperatives and communities can use funding to lower electricity costs for businesses and families, while reducing climate pollution.    Yakama Power said th...

The Food and Drug Administration and the USDA announced a joint request for information about food date labeling, which includes the use of terms like “Sell By,” “Use By,” and “Best By.”  The information request asks for data on industry practices and preferences for date labeling, research results on consumer perceptions of date labeling and any impact date labeling may have on food waste and gro

Last week, the USDA announced it is funding additional projects across Washington via the Rural Energy for America Program in an effort to lower costs, expand access to clean energy as well as strengthen farms and small businesses.  Helen Price Johnson, Rural Development Director for Washington said $5.1 million...

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, the USDA is out with some encouraging news for those of you looking to prepare the big meal.   “People who are shopping for turkeys for their holidays are likely going to see some good deals out there," noted economist Michael McConnell.  However he ad...

Through its Community Connect Program, Rural Development has awarded $63.8 million to expand high-speed internet in rural areas across 12 states, including Washington.   “We know this is fundamental to building prosperity and a bright future where people and businesses can grow and thrive,” said Helen Price Johnson the State Director for Rural Development in Washington.  "Rural America... Rea

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Development announced it is awarding over $120 million to fund six fertilizer production projects across six states.  The funding comes through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, which USDA said provides grants to independent business owners to modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants, and more.   One No...

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Housing Administrator Joaquin Altoro announced that more than $4 million in grants and loans will be used to repair and rehabilitate farmworker housing in Central Washington.     “The funding we’re announcing today will provide safe, modern homes for those who work hard to feed our nation, while also creating jobs for tradespeople who will build and restore these homes,”

According to NASS, the value of Washington’s Agricultural production in 2023 totaled almost $14 billion, up 6% year-over year.  The value of Washington’s crop production in 2023 was $7.71 billion, down about 10% from the record high value of $8.56 billion in 2022.  ...

In August, many consumers were happy to hear that grocery store food prices fell 0.1% from July to August.  However, the Food Price Index during September did a big bounce back, going up by almost half a percent.   “That is the highest monthly growth in grocery prices since January," noted USDA economist Megan Sweitzer.  She added the Amer...