Production & Sustainability

America’s agricultural producers and exporters are passionate about providing safe, wholesome, and affordable food and farm products to consumers around the world. Embracing science and innovation makes it possible for them to help meet global demand, keep food affordable, and ensure that it is produced in the ways that are most sustainable – both environmentally and economically. At the links below and to the right, you can learn more about American agriculture’s commitment to quality, safety, environmental stewardship, science, and sustainability – and about the U.S. infrastructure that supports this.

In addition, FAS's international offices track and report on other countries' policies, initiatives, and activities that relate to areas such as climate, sustainability, and technology adoption. Get the latest updates in the Data and Analysis section below.

Animal and Plant Health

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/

Biotechnology

https://www.usda.gov/topics/biotechnology

Climate

https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/climate

Conservation

https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

https://www.farmers.gov/conserve

Farm Practices and Management

https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/farm-practices-management/

Food Safety

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/

https://www.fda.gov/food

Grading and Standards

https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards

Organics

Trade - https://www.fas.usda.gov/commodities/organic-products

Production and Certification - https://www.usda.gov/topics/organic

Sustainability

https://www.usda.gov/oce/sustainability

https://thesustainabilityalliance.us/

Data and Analysis

The New Zealand government has introduced the Gene Technology Bill 2024, aiming to establish a modern regulatory framework for gene technology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
On December 31, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically engineered (GE) events.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Mexico: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

The only genetically engineered (GE) product in commercial production is GE cotton, with obsolete seeds and only in restricted areas. There has been no advance in plant or animal biotechnology development and production, mainly due to policy and regulatory constraints.

News and Features

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has launched the $10 million Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab as part of the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative. The application period is open for this new funding opportunity, and awards will range from $50,000 to $250,000 for research, scale, and commercialization applications that support U.S. exporters through innovative packaging solutions.
USDA will provide $466.5 million in FY 2024 funding to strengthen global food security through the McGovern-Dole and Food for Progress programs, Secretary Vilsack announced today.
As the U.S. Department of Agriculture celebrates Earth Day 2024 with communities across the nation and around the globe, we have an exciting opportunity to highlight the activities, tools and resources of the USDA International Climate Hub.