News Archives

At the Edge of the Cranberry Bog with Oiva Hannula & Sons

Cranberries are a thriving industry in Massachusetts, where they have been cultivated for centuries. On USSA’s recent press trip to the state, UK journalist Sian Yates visited Oiva Hannula & Sons to take a closer look at how these crimson berries are grown and harvested.

At Allagash Brewing Company, Innovation and Sustainability Are on Tap

What does sustainability mean in a country where food production is large-scale, distances are vast and politics can change overnight? VMT met with food producers in Maine and Massachusetts to find out.

Lessons in Humility: Sustainable Fishing in New England

In the waters of New England, tradition meets strict regulation. Lobster fishing and oyster farming are not only symbols of local culture but are also examples of some of the best-managed fishing ecosystems in the world.

USSA Newsletter: November 2025

USSA News: U.S. climate trends, USSA's EU mission and a Maine buckwheat success story

The Company Where Everything Tastes Better with Buckwheat

When Karen Getz, a former dairy farmer and award-winning cheesemaker in Vermont, struggled to find gluten-free crackers worthy of pairing with her cheese, she decided to make her own.

U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Growers Exceed Environmental Goals

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, the leading program for responsibly grown U.S. cotton, has published its latest annual report highlighting increased membership and significant sustainability progress against a 2015 baseline.

Hourly Weather Data Sheds New Light on U.S. Climate Trends

Historical hourly weather data has given researchers a clearer picture of climate trends in the U.S.

CAST Report: Precision Irrigation Can Transform Water Use in Agriculture

As rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and more frequent and prolonged droughts create uncertainty for farmers and threaten agricultural yields, precision irrigation offers a “science-driven solution” for sustainably feeding a growing population.

COP30 Manifesto Calls for Recognition of Leather’s Sustainability Value

At this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), the Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA), a USSA member, joined 25 major leather industry organizations in calling for a reassessment of leather.

USSA Newsletter: October 2025

USSA News: This month, we take you to New England for an update on our press trip to Maine and Massachusetts, a collaboration with Food Export-Northeast.

Raising the Bar for Authentic, Sustainable Cookies

Arriving at Fancypants Baking Co.’s unassuming facility in Walpole, Massachusetts, you are greeted by the sweet, buttery aroma of baking. However, there is much more to the company than delicious-smelling cookies.

Sustainability is the Maine Focus for EU Press Trip: Highlights

Eight journalists. Five days. Fourteen operations. That is a snapshot of the recent U.S. Sustainability Alliance press trip to Maine and Massachusetts.