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

Attaché Report (GAIN)

Japan: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

This report provides the latest status of consumption, regulation, public perception, research, development, production, government policy, and use of agricultural biotechnology in Japan. In general, Japan uses a science-based process for evaluating and granting approval for import and production of genetically engineered products.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

Hong Kong: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual

In 2023, Hong Kong did not have any policy changes to regulations pertaining to genetically engineered (GE) products. GE products are subject to the same food regulations of conventional foods.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

South Africa: Market Opens for United States Corn

Import permits for genetically engineered (GE) corn from the United States are once again issued by South Africa. After a mid-summer drought that caused a 22 percent drop in production, South Africa needs to import corn to supplement domestic production.

News and Features

During COP29, Secretary Vilsack highlighted four years of progress and historic investments to position U.S. agriculture and forestry as climate leaders, develop innovative climate solutions and build climate-smart markets to provide new revenue streams for rural communities.
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.
The UN General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, thanks to U.S. government efforts that were spearheaded by USDA and garnered more than 100 co-sponsors.