WASHINGTON, October 28, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots on November 4 to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2019 – Dairy producers can now enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for calendar year 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened signup today for the program that helps producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2019 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 10 Vermont counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Orange, Rutland, Windham, and Windsor counties who suffered losses due to excessive rain and prolonged, cool temperatures that have occurred since April 1, 2019, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.

COLCHESTER, Vt., July 12, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that they must file accurate and timely crop acreage reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, to prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2019 — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announces that signup begins June 17 for the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, the cornerstone program of the dairy safety net that helps dairy producers manage the volatility of milk and feed prices, operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Washington, D.C., May 7, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019.

Washington, D.C., September 5, 2018 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today launched the trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations.  Producers of certain commodities can now sign up for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), while USDA will also begin to purchase identified commodities under a food purchase and distribution program.  Additionally, USDA has begun accepting proposals for the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP), which will help American farmers find and access new markets for their products.  In total, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, consistent with World Trade Organization obligations.

COLCHESTER, Vt. – July 11, 2018- Do you have an interest in supporting Vermont’s agricultural community and economy?  The USDA Farm Service Agency in Vermont has three immediate job openings throughout the state.  The three openings include two positions for Farm Loan Officer Trainees and a Program Technician.  All positions require a degree or equivalent experience in a financial or customer service setting.  Agricultural study or experience is preferred but not required.  These positions are permanent, full time positions with benefits.  All interested persons should apply at www.USAjobs.gov before July 18.

COLCHESTER, Vt. -- Dec. 26, 2017- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Grafton County in New Hampshire as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by early season, excessive moisture and unseasonably cool temperatures that occurred from May 1 through Sept. 10, 2017.

COLCHESTER, Vt. -- Nov. 21, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Wendy Wilton as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA). Wilton will join the Vermont FSA team on Monday, Nov. 27.

St. Albans, Vermont, September 27, 2016 –Franklin/Grand Isle County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting County Executive Director, Paul Remillard announced that his office is approved to accept applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damage to farmland, notably maple orchards, from high winds that occurred on July 22, 2016 in Franklin County. ECP sign-up will begin on October 1, 2016, and end on October 31, 2016.

Colchester, VT, July 26, 2016 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Vermont Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Robert Paquin reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Aug. 1 to enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and/or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2016 crop year.