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From Opinion and Insights to the latest in technologies and news straight from the fields, here you will find information about the produce and work of our members and their innovation in U.S. farming, fishing and forestry.
Tarik Eluri, sustainability manager at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a founding member of the U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA), recently discussed U.S. sustainable agriculture with Spain’s Fundación Antama – a non-profit that promotes new technologies for agrifood and the environment. The conversation focused on USSA’s mission and the U.S. soy industry, including the evolution of sustainability and the role of innovation.
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In a landmark move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bovaer® - a feed ingredient that reduces enteric methane emissions from dairy cows - for use in the United States. What are the implications?
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To mark National Dairy Month, we visit a New York dairy farm to look at some of the advances that have led to these improvements. Meet the Beck Brothers, the stars of a new TV documentary!
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Jennie Schmidt, a third-generation farmer and registered dietitian, strongly believes in the power of storytelling. In her experience, personal narratives can help consumers better understand how our food is grown, especially when fewer people have first-hand knowledge of the agriculture industry than ever before.
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In 2020, 15% of animal hides produced in the United States were either burned or ended up in landfills, according to data from the Leather and Hide Council of America. A new report from AURI and USDA outlines research into new potential uses for these waste hides aimed at reducing the cost of removing them for small processors while delivering revenue and increasing market resilience.
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Our Industry, Our Promise reports on the state of the U.S. animal food industry, focusing on AFIA’s past fiscal year. It provides an overview of the business environment, updates on operational challenges, and highlights AFIA’s efforts to address and champion these issues for its members.
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This publication examines the innovation required to protect forests’ benefits for the climate, biodiversity, and communities. It focuses on barriers, enablers, actions, and real-world examples.
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A look into the future of agricultural supply and demand in the context of climate change and a growing population, focusing on corn, rice, soybeans, and wheat.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Whilst the USSA members work to exceed regulatory requirement, U.S. laws and regulations provide a robust framework, developed over many years, to ensure and promote the sustainability of its crop, livestock, seafood and forestry sectors. The policies look to immediate impacts on the environment and beyond to cover topics from employment to biodiversity to endangered species. The following pages provide context and an introduction to key federal legislation.
Focused on conservation and environmental stewardship, the USDA, working with The Natural Resources Conservation Service on technical assessment and the Farm Service Agency for enforcements, uses grant management to deliver best practice. A particular focus is on erodible lands and wetlands, with ‘sodbuster’ and ‘swampbuster’ rules, requires presentation of conservation strategies prior to conversion of lands to agricultural use. One result, that soil loss has been halved since 1982.
The U.S. recognizes that sustainability has many facets and action is required in explicit areas. This has resulted in the enactment of a wide range of laws from the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act to the Endangered Species Act, to research and regulatory action on Insecticides and Fungicides and Rodenticide Act; and, with the Lacey Act a focus on illegal trafficking of plants, fish and animals.
In the latest episode of This is U.S. Sustainability, we hear from two multi-generational farmers – an eleventh-generation grains farmer from Maryland and the owner of a centennial cattle farm in Louisiana – about how they have moved with the times while staying true to their roots. We cover rotational grazing, no-till cultivation, water conservation, biotech seeds, and more. And we discuss why going back to the natural cycle is sometimes the best approach.
Tune in to the latest episode of This is U.S. Sustainability to hear how Paul Catanzaro and Professor Tony D’Amato work together to reach family forest owners and ensure they have the information and resources to make the right decisions about their land. And learn about the vital role Tim Stout, a Vermont landowner, plays in amplifying their message.
Tune in for the lowdown on the innovative, often surprising ways the almond industry and the wider food sector are reducing waste. Jet fuel, beer, water filters and peat moss to grow mushrooms – these are just some of the many applications in use and under development.
Hear directly from noted seafood chef and author Barton Seaver about the sustainability of the American lobster industry.
Watch nowThe new Rewind documentary series from Real Leather Stay Different. aims to provide some balance in the debate about the use of our land, fast fashion and our future.
Watch nowThis video highlights the emphasis on sustainability by the U.S. beef industry. Watch this story of beef farmers’ and ranchers’ multi-generational commitment to the environment with buyers and consumers around the world.
Watch nowBefore you leave, please consider taking our survey.
We want to find out how you think the U.S. is performing in terms of sustainability, what you’re interested in finding out more about, and where you think we should focus our resources.
Your views will help shape the future and ensure we deliver key insights on the most important issues to our site visitors.
Take our survey
