Gooden confirmed as undersecretary: The Senate confirmed Basil Gooden, a USDA rural development official, as the agency’s undersecretary for rural development, succeeding Xochitl Torres Small, who was elevated to deputy secretary last July. (Senate Agriculture)
Nursery crop insurance expansion: The Nursery Value Select policy, a pilot project allowing nursery owners to select the dollar amount of coverage, will be available in all counties beginning in 2025; it is now limited to nine states. (Risk Management Agency)
Coalition pursues alcohol labels: Five public interest groups asked Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for a commitment in writing to begin the rulemaking process by June for standardized labeling of alcohol content, calories, and allergens for beer, wine, and distilled spirits. (CSPI)
Growing Climate Solutions progress: The USDA released a report explaining its decision to establish the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program as part of implementing the Growing Climate Solutions law, intended to make it easier for farmers to participate in carbon markets. (USDA)