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 agricultural production, sustainability, technology adoption, and related areas. 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

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

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Attaché Report (GAIN)

Thailand: Thailand Publishes Certification Requirements for Aquatic Animals Developed Using Genome Editing Technology

Thailand’s Department of Fisheries (DOF) has established procedures to certify aquatic animals developed through genome editing technology for domestic research and development, production, and/or distribution.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

China: New Food Materials and Additives Approved - Including GMM Derived Enzymes

On May 7, 2025, China announced approvals for 11 new food materials and additives, three of which are products derived from genetically modified microorganisms.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Japan: Japan Invites Public Comments on the Revision of the Safety Regulations of Feeds and Feed Additives Using Biotechnology

On April 16, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of the Government of Japan opened a domestic public comment period on its revision of the safety regulations of feeds and feed additives produced with biotechnology.

News and Features

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Stakeholder Notice

Applications Open for Research Funding Through the USDA FAS Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab to Assist Fresh Produce Exporters

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.
News Release

USDA Invests $466.5 Million in Food Assistance, Agricultural Development Projects Worldwide

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.
Feature

Earth Day 2024: Sustainably Cultivating the Future

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.