Defense

Bird flu screening to be expanded

Tests will be conducted on more than 75,000 birds in 2006, Interior Secretary Gale Norton says.

Defense

Panel questions Homeland Security inspection of food

Agriculture, DHS inspectors general launch joint probe.

News

Administration seeks shift in food aid from USDA to AID

AID would get the authority to spend 25 percent of its food aid budget on purchases in other countries.

News

Agriculture official fears overreaction to avian flu

Spike in publicity could spark unnecessary panic, inspection service administrator says.

Management

Senate panel to question proposal for Farm Service closures

Nearly one-third of county offices slated to close.

Management

Nearly one-third of Farm Service Agency offices targeted for closure

Last week, Senate amended Agriculture appropriations bill to restrict USDA's authority to close county offices.

Management

USDA to set requirements for agencies to purchase bio-based products

Regulations to be released Tuesday implement 2002 act requiring preferential purchasing for goods that include biological, agricultural or forestry materials.

Management

AID cancels commodities purchase as funds run low

Food aid advocates urge Bush administration to make immediate use of special trust fund and ask for supplemental appropriation next year.

Management

Appropriations panels rap USDA management

House, Senate committees limit spending inititatives, criticize department's budget submission.

Management

Questions linger about USDA's handling of mad cow issue

Critics question apparent leaks of critical information about tests on animals by agency employees.

News

Despite USDA efforts, info on mad cow tests leaking out

Agency tries to keep a lid on test results, but publications report details.

Management

Senator challenges USDA mad cow testing plan

Sen. Tom Harkin, R-Iowa, says the Agriculture Department's plan to increase the number of animals tested is not statistically valid.

News

Fate of $820 billion omnibus spending bill still unclear