USDA lists top achievements for 2015

Many of the achievements by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2015 focused on the department’s goal to help farmers sell their products in both the domestic market and overseas, building infrastructure in rural America, conserving resources and improving the lives of all Americans.

"Since 2009, USDA has focused significant and targeted investments in America's rural communities to bring transformative change," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "Last year, those investments blossomed across the United States with substantial results in the burgeoning bio-economy, an exploding local and regional food system, unparalleled investments in renewable energy, improved nutrition interventions for young people, historic partnerships in conservation and greenhouse gas reduction, and major contributions in rural infrastructure, among some.

"Even with challenges in 2015, including an unprecedented animal disease outbreak and lower commodity prices, America's rural communities have proven once again that we are a nation of makers, creators and innovators, and our economy and security are stronger because of it. As we look to 2016, USDA will continue to seek out new and innovative ways to expand opportunity for America's farming families and rural communities," 

The USDA helped people both at home and abroad in ways that one may not think of when thinking of the agricultural industry, including helping Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants find gainful employment through 10 employment and training pilot projects. The achievements of the USDA were in areas including: agriculture and trade, anti-poverty efforts, cost savings and proves improvements, climate change, global food security, conservation and forestry, energy and bio-economy, food safety, rural development, research and civil rights.