USDA renames promotion unit to reflect functions beyond fruit, vegetable crops

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) recently changed the name of the Fruit and Vegetable Program to the Specialty Crops Program to reflect an expansion of products covered by the program.

The change will not affect operations or staff levels and aims to align the project with Congress' definition of specialty crops, which includes more than fruits and vegetables. The program researches and promotes a wide range of products, including honey, peanuts, paper, softwood lumber, popcorn, Christmas trees, dried fruit and nuts.

In addition, the USDA's Marketing Order and Agreement Division oversees marketing orders for almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios and spearmint oil, and is currently working with the pecan industry as it explores a possible new order. The Market News Division issues daily reports on cut-flower prices.