Celebrating National Cooperative Month 

This week, Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a proclamation recognizing October 2023 as National Cooperative Month to celebrate the vital role cooperatives play in improving economic opportunities and advancing equity in America.  

On Thursday, Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small delivered keynote remarks at the National Cooperative Business Association's (NCBA) IMPACT conference in Washington, DC. She spoke to the group about the investments the Biden-Harris Administration is making in clean energy through the New ERA and PACE programs – made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest clean energy and climate investment in history and the largest investment ever in rural energy infrastructure – and the benefits the programs will have in rural communities by driving investment and creating good paying jobs.

National 4-H Week

Secretary Vilsack proclaimed October 1-7 as National 4-H Week. Vital to developing the next generation of farmers, 4-H is largest organization focused on youth development in the United States. A network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4-H professionals provide mentoring to 6 million 4-H’ers. 

Did you know that National 4-H Week grew out of an initiative born during World War II? Learn more about the history of National 4-H Week here.

Grants for Underserved and Veteran Farmers  

On Wednesday, USDA announced $27.6 million in grants to provide training, outreach and technical assistance to underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters to help them own and operate successful farms, ranches, and forest lands. Funding is made through USDA’s 2501 Program through the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement. 

Support for Dairy Producers 

On Tuesday, USDA announced $23 million in awards to support dairy businesses and producers under the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program. The initiatives support small and mid-sized dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing, and distribution of dairy products. 

Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt made the announcement at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, where she met with dairy producers and highlighted USDA’s support for the industry. 

Urban Agriculture in Action 

Boston’s urban agriculture community is a diverse group of farmers and local advocates, and their needs are as varied as the types of operations they run and the populations they serve. In 2021, the City of Boston’s initiative received a $200,000 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant (UAIP) to engage community members to develop priorities and recommendations in key food security neighborhoods and strengthen the city’s urban agriculture policy. 

Get Vaccinated!

This week, Secretary Vilsack got his flu, RSV and COVID-19 boosters. As we enter the cold and flu season, it is critical we take steps to protect ourselves and those we love. Visit Vaccines.gov to find appointments near you. 

Photo of the Week

At a meeting of President Biden’s Cabinet on Monday, Secretary Vilsack spoke about the critical role USDA plays in the lives of Americans.

This photo of the Secretary addressing the Cabinet was shared by the White House on X earlier this week.