Past Feature Stories

Bioenergy and Energy Alternatives
United States dependence on foreign oil is an economic and national security issue. A growing factor is reducing petroleum imports is the fuel ethanol industry. Producing 1.5 billion gallons a year, and creating more than 17,000 jobs, the ethanol industry has become an important partner with American agriculture. Bioenergy and energy alternatives are part of the USDA 2000 budget.

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Millennium Gardens
Join the White House Millennium Council, U.S. Department of Agriculture, other Federal agencies, and leading nonprofit organizations in planting and improving gardens in 2000 and beyond as part of Millennium Green. Together we will:
• Grow food for our communities,
• Bring communities together, and
• Beautify our neighborhoods with green space.

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National Arboretum
The National Arboretum offers a wealth of information of interest to gardeners and horticulturists. Average blooming dates by month, pest management, new plant introductions, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, research activities, and related information is available on the National Arboretum website.

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Invasive Species
USDA caps off National Invasive Species Awareness week with a symposium today in USDA's Jefferson Auditorium at 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. The symposium will focus on the negative impacts on agriculture and the environment, stakeholder perspectives, and the role of the federal government in helping to prevent and control invasive species.

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State Fact Sheets, Trade with China
Agricultural commodities and products are important contributors to U.S. exports, and are expected to reap some of the largest gains from China's accession to the World Trade Organization. The website offers information about trade benefits for each State or region.

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Commodity Operations
Commodity Operations help to achieve domestic farm program price support objectives, produces a uniform regulatory system for the storage of agricultural products, and ensures the timely provision of food products for domestic and international food assistance programs and market development programs.

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National Organics Program
The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, adopted as part of the 1990 Farm Bill, requires USDA to develop national standards and regulations for organically produced agricultural products and to assure consumers that agricultural products marketed as "organic" are consistent with these standards. The OFPA requires all agricultural products labeled as "organically produced" to originate from farms or handling operations certified by a State or private agency that has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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White House news release

Foreign Agricultural Trade of the U.S.
Import and export data on U.S. agricultural trade with all the countries and regions of the world.

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U.S. Export Forecasts for Agriculture, Fishery and Forest Products.
Fiscal Year 2000 U.S. agricultural exports are forecast at $49 billion, down $1 billion from the previous FY 2000 projection in August. This report shows forecasts for the agricultural trade balance and various commodities.

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Drought Outlook
A roundup of drought information and climate conditions is presented. Current information includes the drought monitor, threats assessment, Palmer drought severity index, crop moisture index and background information.

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For National Drought Information Center
For Current Weather Watches & Warnings

Remarks by Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman Spring Drought Outlook News Conference -- March 13, 2000

"The First Line of Defense"
APHIS agricultural quarantine inspectors at border ports and international airports check millions of passengers and their baggage for plant or animal pests and diseases that might harm U.S. agriculture.

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2001 Budget Major Initiatives
The 2001 budget lists several major initiatives and proposals for new legislation. Among the issues are Farm Safety Net improvements, Food Stamp Enhancement, Food Safety, Biobased Products and Bioenergy, Lands Legacy, Invasive Species, Food Quality Protection, Clean Water, and Global and Climate Change Research.

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President Clinton Takes Actions to Help Low-income Families Get on the Road to Work and Opportunity

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For Transportation Event, Q&A

Food Stamps Eligibility
Food Stamp Eligibility provides information about rules applicable in 2000 which determine household qualification for participation in the Food Stamp program. The rules gives consideration to household resources, income and allowable deductions, work requirements, noncitizens, and State programs of food assistance for legal immigrants.

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Agricultural Outlook Forum
The Forum features an overview of the agricultural and trade outlook for 2000 including prospects for major commodities, specialty crops, farm income and food prices. New long-term USDA commodity projections to the year 2009 will also be unveiled during the two day conference.

Remarks by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman before the Agricultural Outlook Forum 2000

Recorded Streaming from the Agricultural Outlook Conference and the Great Nutrition Debate.

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The National Food Safety Database
The database is a one-stop shopping site for food safety information. The website offers links to consumer and industry-related food safety resources, information for educators and food safety trainers, facts about additives and residues, canning, drying and freezing. Ask An Expert is also a feature of this site.

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