AG INSIGHT
AG INSIGHT BY J I M E R I C K S O N
Agricultural census data release date set for February 2024 The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Even small plots of land, whether rural or urban, growing fruit, vegetables or some food animals count if $1,000 or more of such products were raised and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the Census year. The Census of Agriculture, taken only once every five years, looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future and their opportunity. The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation. Through the Census of Agriculture, producers can show the
nation the value and importance of agriculture and can influence decisions that will shape the future of U.S. agriculture. Census of Agriculture information is used by all those who serve farmers and rural communities — federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations and many others.
USDA expands access to school breakfast, lunch The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that it is giving an estimated 3,000 more school districts in high-need areas the option to serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost, by expanding the availability of the Community Eligibility Provision, commonly known as CEP. While this change in CEP applies across the country, it will be particularly impactful in states and school districts which commit to supporting healthy school meals for all students with their own funds.
USDA to fund 12 Alabama projects in specialty crop block grant program The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently announced over $496,000 in Fiscal Year 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funding to Alabama. With this grant, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) will fund projects
8
Cooperative Farming News
