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Publisher: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) 
 Resources about CSA, which "consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes ... the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support." The site includes a description of CSA, a list of CSA farms in the United States, and links to information related to CSA and sustainable agriculture. From the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center. http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml Topics: Agriculture Last updated Jan 11, 2007 Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Tomatoes
Background information and trade data for fresh and processed tomatoes. Provides statistics on prices, exports and imports, production, and domestic use. Also includes a FAQ and links to related sites. From the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Vegetables/tomatoes.htm Topics: Crops Last updated Jun 23, 2008 Forest and Fishery Products Division, Foreign Agricultural Service
The Web site for this division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) features current and historical trade data for wood and fishery products, country reports, market news, a trade shows calendar, trade policy documents, brochures, and related documents. Searchable. http://www.fas.usda.gov/ffpd/fpd.html Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Fish, Reptiles, & Amphibians, Plants Last updated Jan 19, 2005 Fire Effects Information (FEIS)
This database offers "information about fire effects on plants and animals. ... Background information on taxonomy, distribution, basic biology, and ecology of each species is also included." Each reference includes a bibliography. Also features a glossary. Searchable and browsable. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/ Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Environment, Plants, Science Last updated Oct 28, 2003 How to Buy Dairy Products
Presents points to consider when purchasing milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, and other dairy products. Features a chart showing the fat content of milk products, explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grading system, and describes different types of dairy products, such as buttermilk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, half-and-half, whipping cream, and frozen desserts. Expanded pages are available for butter and cheese. Opens directly into a PDF file. From the Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3103624 Topics: Fish, Meat, & Dairy, Industries Last updated May 23, 2009 Sequoia National Forest
"The Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument [in central California] are named for the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree." The site features a photo gallery, maps and brochures, the Sequoia National Forest Business Plan, the Giant Sequoia National Monument Management Plan, information about litigation, and news on topics such woodcutting and fires. Searchable. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/ Topics: Agriculture, Environment, National Parks & Forests, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Plants Last updated Jan 31, 2005 Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Food Security in the United States
Food security is defined on this site as "access at all times to enough food for active, healthy living." Includes statistics, information about conditions and trends, and the prevalence and measurement of food insecurity. Features reports back to 1995 on topics such as the elderly, children, and rural households. From the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/briefing/FoodSecurity/ Topics: Agriculture, Charity & Nonprofit Resources, Food & Cooking, Nutrition & Food Safety, Poverty, Senior Health Last updated Jun 22, 2005 Agricultural Marketing Service Commodity Areas: Cotton Division
Features information about the U.S. cotton market and cotton classification, cotton research and promotion materials, and statistics covering cotton quality, prices, export sales, cotton varieties planted, and related data. Searchable. From the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ams.usda.gov/cotton/ Topics: Agriculture, Crops, Plants Last updated Apr 16, 2008 Coffee
Links to resources for trade data, price and production information, and publications on the coffee market. From the Foreign Agriculture Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/tropical/coffee.html Topics: Beverages, Crops, Industries Last updated Sep 15, 2004 Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Sugar and Sweeteners
Features economic data and reports on the U.S. sugar and sweetener industry, covering production, consumption, and trade. Includes the Sugar and Sweeteners Yearbook, Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook, U.S. Corn Sweetener Statistical Compendium, World Sugar Policy Review, and related publications. Searchable. From the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Sugar/ Topics: Sweets and Sweeteners Last updated Oct 9, 2004 Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Hogs
The site provides analysis of "conditions and events relating to the domestic and global pork markets that influence supply, demand, trade, and prices." It provides background information, data, market outlook, reports, and other information for the hog industry in the United States. Also includes links to statistics on trade, prices, production, and supply. From the Economic Research Service (ERS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Hogs/ Topics: Agriculture, Livestock Last updated Feb 22, 2005 Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Soybeans and Oil Crops
Background information and trade data for soybean and oil crops such as cottonseed, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Provides statistics on prices, exports and imports, production, and domestic use. Also features publications on trends in the soybean and oil crop markets, and links to related sites. From the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/SoybeansOilCrops/ Topics: Agriculture, Beans, Grains, Nuts, & Seeds, Crops Last updated Oct 26, 2004 Economic Research Service Briefing Room: Wheat
Statistics, research, and other materials on the U.S. wheat industry. Covers production, supply, use, and trade. Also include reports on the wheat industry in other countries such as China and Japan. From the Economic Research Service (ERS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Wheat/ Topics: Agriculture, Beans, Grains, Nuts, & Seeds, Crops Last updated Nov 9, 2004 Healthy Forest Initiative (HFI)
In August 2003 President Bush "announced his Healthy Forests Initiative to improve the health of our nation's forests and rangelands. ... The primary goal of the projects is to reduce the fire danger and return our forests and rangelands to a healthier state." This site from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service includes the text of the plan and background material, news, accomplishments, a brochure and posters, and links to related sites. http://www.fs.fed.us/projects/hfi/ Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Outdoor Recreation, Plants, Science Last updated Nov 18, 2003 Safety of Duck and Goose: From Farm to Table
Questions and answers about ducks and geese, covering terminology of types of duck and goose meat, how ducks and geese are raised, inspection and grading, cuts of duck and goose meat, and safe handling, storage, defrosting, and cooking of the meat. From the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/duckgoos.htm Topics: Agriculture, Consumer Research & Advocacy, Livestock, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated Oct 11, 2004 USDA Forest Service: Forest Products Laboratory
This government site features documents on many aspects of wood and wood use. Features FAQs on wood preservation and wood adhesives, fact sheets on wood painting and finishing applications (such as decks, siding, and kitchen items), a handbook on wood as an engineering material, and documents on lumber drying, wood in transportation, fire safety, mold research, and other topics of interest to builders and homeowners. Searchable. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Plants Last updated Jan 19, 2005 Tongass National Forest
The site for this national forest in southeast Alaska provides information about forest flora and fauna, forest management (including the timber sale plan), visiting the forest, and forest maps. Also features information about glacier formation and images of the Mendenhall and Hubbard glaciers. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/ Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Geography, Geology, National Parks & Forests, Plants Last updated Mar 3, 2004 Soils
This site is "part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey, an effort of Federal and State agencies, universities, and professional societies to deliver scientifically based soil information." It has some online soil surveys and information on where to obtain other surveys, plus information on soil use, management, classification, research, and research procedures. There are images and descriptions of soils (some arranged by U.S. state). The education section includes soil facts, lesson plans, and related links. http://soils.usda.gov/ Topics: Agriculture, Lesson Plans Last updated Apr 23, 2003 USDA Poultry Programs
This site describes the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) quality grading and certification of poultry, quality standards and trade descriptions for poultry and eggs, and international programs. Provides market reports and data, a glossary, federal regulations, lesson plans, and consumer information. http://www.ams.usda.gov/poultry/ Topics: Agriculture, Lesson Plans, Livestock Last updated Jul 3, 2008 Collecting and Preserving Insects and Mites: Tools and Techniques
Detailed instructions for the collection and preservation of insects. Topics include equipment (such as nets and jars), traps and lures, mounting, labeling, and collection maintenance. From the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=10141 Topics: Insects & Arachnids Last updated Feb 14, 2006 Backyard Conservation Tip Sheet: Tree Planting
This fact sheet contains points to consider when planting a backyard tree, including tree choice (size, life expectancy, foliage and fruit, and other factors), placement, planting (of container grown, balled and burlapped, and bare root trees), and pruning. From the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/TreePtg.html Topics: Plants Last updated Feb 21, 2006 USDA-ARS Cotton Ginning Research Unit
The highlight of this government website for cotton ginning research is an extensive overview of the cotton gin, the device used to separate cotton lint from seed. Includes a diagram of the cotton ginning process and illustrations of the machinery. The site also provides technical publications, a list of cotton ginning patents (since 1984), and details about the unit's research activities. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS). http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/site_main.htm?modecode=64-02-30-00 Topics: Crops, Technology Last updated Apr 4, 2006 Safe Food Handling: Barbecue Food Safety
Tips for safe outdoor grilling of meat and poultry. Topics include defrosting, marinating, transporting, keeping cold food cold and hot food hot, cleanliness, precooking, thorough cooking, reheating, serving, leftovers, safe smoking, pit roasting, and cancer risks from high-heat grilling. From the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Barbecue_Food_Safety/ Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety, Recipes & Food Preparation Last updated May 9, 2006 Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ): Emergency and Domestic Programs
Background and updates about pest responses and emergencies in regions of the U.S. Some of the topics covered include fruit flies, Asian longhorned beetles, karnal bunt (a fungal disease of wheat and triticale), citrus greening (Huanglongbing or yellow dragon disease), citrus canker, and plum pox. Includes images, survey maps, reports, and other material on the pests. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/ Topics: Plants Last updated Jun 20, 2007 National Organic Program
Official information about the organic standards program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Explains the "USDA Organic" labels found on food and beverage packaging, marketing phrases (such as "organic," which "must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt)"), news and updates, and material for producers and retailers. From the USDA. http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/ Topics: Agriculture, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated May 26, 2008 Family Guide for Fruits and Seeds
"The bulk of agricultural commerce is in the form of fruits and seeds. Most weeds and invasive species also move around as fruits and seeds. The database accessible here, has 418 families of seed plants, all the families of seed plants recognized by the USDA in December 2003." Use family names to find images and descriptions, or use an interactive identification system (tutorial is provided). From the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://nt.ars-grin.gov/sbmlweb/OnlineResources/FrSdFam/Index.cfm Topics: Agriculture, Plants Last updated Mar 21, 2007 Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC)
The AFSIC "specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices" by listing links to relevant sites. Searchable, or browse by topics such as sustainability, alternative plants and crops, farm energy options, grazing systems, organic production, ecological pest management, and soil and water management. Also includes related publications and a directory with links to searchable databases that pertain to sustainable/alternative agriculture. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Agricultural Library. http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?tax_level=1&info_center=2 Topics: Agriculture Last updated Jul 25, 2007 Plant Health: Light Brown Apple Moth
Description of the "light brown apple moth (LBAM), Epiphyas postvittana (Tortricidae), ... a native pest of Australia [that] is now widely distributed New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and New Caledonia." A 2007 "LBAM detection in California is the first on the United States mainland." Includes links to regulatory documents and related websites. From the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/lba_moth/ Topics: Agriculture, Insects & Arachnids Last updated Jun 7, 2007 Passport in Time (PIT): A Volunteer Program of the USDA Forest Service
Locate volunteer opportunities involving restoration of archaeological sites in our national forests and parks and places of historic interest and importance. "PIT volunteers work with professional FS archaeologists and historians on national forests throughout the U.S. on such diverse activities as archaeological survey and excavation, rock art restoration, survey, archival research, historic structure restoration, oral history gathering, and analysis and curation of artifacts." From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS). http://www.passportintime.com Topics: Archaeology, Plants Last updated Aug 13, 2007 America's Farm Bill 2007
Material from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about the 2007 reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which provides subsidies to U.S. farmers. The 2007 bill includes "more than 65 proposals [that] correspond to the 2002 farm bill titles with additional special focus areas, including specialty crops, beginning farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged producers." Includes news, fact sheets, and related material on topics such as conservation, energy, forestry, nutrition, and rural development. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdafarmbill?navtype=SU&navid=FARM_BILL_FORUMS Topics: Agriculture Last updated Jul 16, 2007 Fact Sheets: Hot Dogs and Food Safety
This document provides definitions and food safety guidelines for "frankfurters (a.k.a., hot dogs, wieners, or bologna) [which] are cooked and/or smoked sausages according to the Federal standards of identity." Some of the topics of discussion include casings, byproducts and variety meats, mechanically separated meat (MSM), and food product dating (such as "sell by" and "use by" dates). From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Hot_Dogs/ Topics: Fish, Meat, & Dairy, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated Jul 16, 2007 Safety of Fresh Pork ... From Farm to Table
Fact sheet discussing health issues related to raising, storing, and preparing pork. Topics include whether antibiotics and hormones may be used in pork raising, how pork is inspected and graded, what to look for when buying pork, how pork qualifies as being "natural," what foodborne organisms are associated with pork, and safe handling and cooking. Also includes storage and cooking time charts. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Pork_from_Farm_to_Table/ Topics: Fish, Meat, & Dairy, Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated Sep 5, 2007 USDA Actions: News Releases and Statements [February 2008 Beef Recall]
Collection of statements, transcripts, and audio on Humane Society of the United States' cattle handling allegations regarding California's Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company, which led to a February 2008 recall of its beef. Topics addressed include the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection system, supply of meat to federal food and nutrition programs, and "downer" (non-ambulatory disabled) livestock. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=usda_actions.xml Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Fish, Meat, & Dairy Last updated Feb 27, 2008 National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Website for the NSLP, "a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day." Includes a fact sheet, program history, material about eligibility and school food safety, reports, news, and related material. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service. http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/lunch/ Topics: Nutrition & Food Safety Last updated Mar 5, 2008 Food Stamp Program
Official website for the U.S. Food Stamp Program, which "provides low-income households with coupons or electronic benefits they can use like cash at most grocery stores to ensure that they have access to a healthy diet." Provides eligibility requirements, details about applying for benefits, and other information for applicants and recipients. Also includes material for retail merchants, covering Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and related topics. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/ Topics: Food & Cooking Last updated Apr 3, 2008 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
"On October 1, 2008, the Food Stamp Program (FSP) was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the 2008 Farm Bill." The SNAP site has a compilation of statistical publications and research, white papers, periodicals, data sets and tools (including a map of program participation and benefit levels), and related links. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/SNAP/ Topics: Food & Cooking, Statistics Last updated Mar 1, 2009 Briefing Rooms: Food CPI, Prices, and Expenditures
U.S. food price forecasts for the consumer price index (CPI) of food consumed away from home and food at home, provided in categories such as meat, dairy, produce, and baked goods. Includes an explanation of how forecasts are developed, current food price outlook, comparisons with past years, and papers and audio features on topics such as rising food prices, taxing snack foods, and product costs. From the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/CPIFoodAndExpenditures/ Topics: Money Last updated Apr 9, 2008 Saliva: A Window to Health Status
This 2006 article describes the cataloging by scientists of "the thousands of proteins, lipids, sugars, and other molecules that make up human saliva. The project dovetails with growing interest in using salivary proteins as a way of diagnosing diseases or detecting illegal-drug use." In English and Spanish. From the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/may06/health0506.htm Topics: The Human Body Last updated Apr 24, 2008 Factors in Food Commodity Price Increases
Special feature from 2008 concerning "recent runup in global food commodity prices [which] reflects both long-term trends and short-term events." Topics including the Consumer Price Index, food insecurity, agricultural supply and demand, and other economic and agricultural aspects of the increases. From the Economic Research Service (ERS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ers.usda.gov/features/commoditypricefactors/ Topics: Industries Last updated Jun 3, 2008 Gardening for Native Bees in North America
"The purpose of ... [this] tabulation of garden plants for native bees is to help guide home gardeners in North American to genera of flowering plants whose species will please gardener and bee alike. In turn, bees can provide bumper crops in our orchards and vegetable gardens, plus providing hours of pleasant entertainment and distraction." Highlighted plants are widely cultivated and attractive to bees. From the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=12050 Topics: Insects & Arachnids, Plants Last updated Jul 8, 2008 The USDA ARS Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory
The website for this laboratory contains a collection of fact sheets on poisonous plants (such as deathcamas, hemp dogbane, chokecherry, and poison-hemlock), a bulletin on plants poisonous to livestock, and extensive materials from a poisonous plants class. Also includes material about research at the laboratory. From the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=3496 Topics: Plants Last updated Aug 20, 2008 Fact Sheets: Poultry Preparation
This collection of safety tips covers topics such as the color of meat and poultry, poultry giblets, ground poultry, turduckens, the "fresh" label for poultry, and basting, brining, and marinating poultry. A section on turkey discusses topics such as the safety of pink turkey meat, alternative cooking methods, and thawing, stuffing, and roasting turkeys. From the Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Poultry_Preparation_Fact_Sheets/ Topics: Fish, Meat, & Dairy Last updated Oct 28, 2008 Find Information on Irish-American Heritage
Small compilation of annotated links to resources on aspects of Irish-American heritage, with a focus on agriculture and rural history. Includes links to material on potatoes and Irish lamb stew. From the National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). http://ric.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=5&tax_level=2&tax_subject=211&want_id=1308&topic_id=1151&placement_default=0 Topics: United States History Last updated Feb 23, 2009 USDA People's Community Garden Initiative
Collection of photo galleries for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) People's Community Garden, which was established in 2009 to commemorate the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial. Includes images of the ground-breaking in February 2009 at the USDA headquarters (Washington, D.C.), pavement removal, Earth Day preparations, and more. Press release about the project can be found in the February 2009 gallery "Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Unveils the New Sign for the People's Garden Project." From the USDA. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=garden_pgphoto_gallery_index.xml Topics: Gardening Last updated Apr 20, 2009 |
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