News Archives - Page 2 of 68

GAP Report: Global Agricultural Productivity Growth Falls Short of Demand

A new report from Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences warns that a dramatic slowdown in agricultural productivity growth threatens the world’s ability to feed a rising population and address environmental concerns.

USSA Newsletter: September 2024

This month, we welcome the American seed Trade Association (ASTA) to the USSA. With ASTA on board, USSA now has 28 members who accounted for approximately $10.6 billion in food and agricultural exports to the UK and EU in 2023, based on U.S. Census Bureau data via Trade Data Monitor.

Only Natural Celebrates Inaugural Student Design Competition Winners

On 24 September, creative talent and industry experts from the natural materials sector gathered at the U.S. Embassy in London for the inaugural Only Natural Student Design Competition Awards. Organized by the Leather and Hide Council of America with natural fiber trade association partners, including the Softwood Export Council and the American Hardwood Export Council, the competition aims to challenge the future of design by championing the use of natural, sustainable materials.

The American Seed Trade Association Joins The USSA

The U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA) welcomes the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) as its newest member. ASTA represents nearly 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding, and related industries. It brings USSA’s membership to 28 associations across farming, fisheries, forestry, and related sectors, collectively responsible for approximately $10.6 billion in food and agricultural exports to the UK and EU in 2023.

California Conserves More Than a Quarter of its Land in Historic Milestone

California is a leader not only in agricultural production and exports but also in conservation, as evidenced by a report released by Governor Gavin Newsom. The 2024 Pathways to 30x30 Annual Progress Report shows that California is on track to meet its ambitious goal of conserving 30% of state lands and coastal waters by 2030.

AFIA Reports 79% Rise in Value of U.S. Animal Food Exports

The volume of U.S. animal food exports increased by 120% between 2022 and 2023, while the value rose by 79%. That’s according to the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA’s) latest annual report. Our Industry, Our Promise outlines the state of the industry and how AFIA is addressing challenges and opportunities for its members, including legislative and supply chain issues, feed and food safety, and sustainability.

Rooted in Conservation: Partnership Drives Best Practice on Louisiana Rice Farms

Join us on a virtual trip to southwest Louisiana to meet two rice farms that are models in conservation. Durand Farms in St. Martinville and Simon Farms in Morse are collaborating with organizations such as USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ducks Unlimited, USA Rice, and their local Soil and Water Conservation District to protect their soil and improve their water use and quality.

USSA Newsletter: July 2024

In this issue, get ready to discover Alaska through the eyes of European journalists who visited the state on USSA's recent press trip - a collaboration with the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. They share their experience, providing insights into the state's sustainable fishing and diverse agriculture industries, including a product with promising export potential.

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp Fishery Achieves Sustainability Certification in World First

The U.S. Gulf of Mexico shrimp fishery, which includes white, brown, and pink shrimp from all five Gulf of Mexico states and federal waters, has become the first shrimp fishery to achieve Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Certification.

Alaska: More than a Feast for the Eyes

Before May this year, Laurent Journo, a marketing specialist at the U.S. embassy in Paris, knew little about Alaska despite it being an important trading partner for France. He saw the state as a distant, wild, mountainous land with dense forests and rich fauna. After visiting, what has he learned and how have his perceptions changed?

Will We Soon Be Eating Seaweed Instead of Fish?

Willem Paul de Mooij, editor of VMT – a Dutch publication for the food sector – recently interviewed two entrepreneurial farmers who are exploring the potential of kelp as an alternative income stream. They claim it’s nutritious, sustainable, versatile, and ripe for export. Learn more about the opportunities for kelp.

USSA Newsletter: June 2024

This month, we bring you an update on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s adaptation plan to mitigate the growing risks of climate change. We also feature an innovation challenge to find breakthrough solutions to agriculture’s most pressing challenges. And we report on global research that has identified a way to save nearly half of the 1.3 billion tons of food wasted annually.