USDA, EPA Pledge Support for Sugarcane and Sugar Beets as Harvest Kicks Off

USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — Sugar beet and sugarcane farmers are heading into harvest, backed by support from federal officials. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden, the second-in-command at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), reiterated the crucial role farmers play in safeguarding the nation’s food supply.

“One of the things that is important to keep in mind is that for everything this administration does, no harm must come to America’s farm and rural communities,” Vaden says. “The best way that we can ensure Americans are healthy and well taken care of is to ensure that as much as possible of what they eat is grown here in the United States of America. We have the most efficient, the most sustainable, and the safest food supply the world has ever seen. We should want that food supply to be what’s on the plate of every American.”

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials are also weighing in, assuring growers they are working to ensure quick access to crop protection tools.

“This is our laser focus, to improve the tools that we can bring to you to help grow your crop,” Vaden continues. “I can assure you that Administrator Zeldin is 100% committed to ensuring that we are using gold standard science in everything that we do, in all our reviews of all pesticides. So, we know that pesticides are vital tools. We know you need them to control pests, to increase yield, to decrease food loss, and we are going to work to get you those tools.”

Officials from both the USDA and EPA say the goal is to maintain a strong food supply in America while ensuring that farmers have the necessary resources.

Related Stories
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.
Molly Ball joins us to talk about the upcoming FFA Convention & Expo and dish about the latest episode of “Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.”
Farmers are in the midst of harvest as the government descends into a shutdown and the Farm Bill expires. Key federal departments, crop reporting, and aid programs important to the agricultural sector are now on hold.
Students share their experiences overcoming anxiety through opportunities provided by the National FFA Organization.
As flu season closes in, Dr. Gold outlines the steps to take when you get sick — including resting, staying hydrated, and knowing when to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Farmers will need to closely monitor forecasts if the regulatory changes are implemented, as temperature cutoffs will replace fixed spray dates.
Under this agreement, SCDA will administer a program covering infrastructure and timber losses, as well as future economic and market losses.
The campaign is about more than just a digital push; NPB leaders hope it will become a rallying point for the entire industry.
Livestock and government payments provide a boost, but crop receipts and rising expenses keep pressure on margins. Strong financial planning remains key in a volatile environment.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
The goal of “Where the Food Comes From” is as simple as its name implies — host Chip Carter takes you along on the journey of where our food comes from — and we don’t just mean to the supermarket (though that’s part of the big picture!). But beyond where it comes from, how it gets there, and all the links in the chain that make that happen.
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.