Agricultural Marketing Service

Taking a Bite out of the Local Apple in the Windy City

March is National Nutrition Month, and local food plays an important role in providing Americans with fresh, healthy fuel for their bodies. From farmers to financiers to schools and hospitals, there is a lot of passion for sharing good food by supporting strong local and regional food systems. I experienced this firsthand during my trip to Chicago, Ill., where I spoke at last week's Good Food Festival & Conference.

Strengthening Produce Businesses, One Program at a Time

Successful businesses all seem to have a common bond--a commitment to quality, consistency, and integrity. During a recent trip with my colleagues, I saw firsthand the many ways that companies are turning to my agency – the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) – to provide these factors to pave their path to success.

Expanding Trade Opportunities by Translating Documents into Spanish

When trading commodities on the market, it is critical that buyers and sellers across the supply chain speak the same trade language. For meat products, large volume buyers--ranging from the federal government to schools, restaurants and hotels--reference the U.S. Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications (IMPS) when making their purchases.

In Conversation with #WomeninAg: Anne Alonzo

In celebration of Women's History Month, we are taking a moment to talk with prominent women in agriculture about their lives, their ideas about leadership, and how their day gets off to a good start.

"The women I know (and work with) are strong, decisive and 'take charge' women," says Anne Alonzo. Anne Alonzo is the Administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. She is a respected global leader who has forged a successful career in the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors, including significant experience in trade and diplomacy.