If you’re a farmer or part of a food business, there’s big news from Washington that could shape your future. Changes are underway for American agriculture, and they’re all designed to help farmers and food businesses thrive. With the release of Secretary of Agriculture Memorandum 1078-020 and the new Food Dietary Guidelines, Washington is putting the spotlight on producer profitability, market expansion, and innovation. These federal priorities are more than just policy—they’re a roadmap for growth, encouraging the production of whole, nutrient-dense foods and opening new doors for American-grown foods and commodities in ways that will drive demand, streamline support, and help farmers capture new opportunities in a changing food landscape.
The new Memorandum 1078-020, issued at the end of 2025 by Agricultural Secretary Brooke Rollins, is setting a call to action, focusing on five core pillars that matter most to producers and food businesses. Each pillar is designed to cut red tape, open new opportunities, and ensure that American agriculture remains resilient and competitive.
Here’s what you need to know about these priorities and how they could impact your operation.
Primary Points of the Memorandum 1078-020 and New USDA Priorities
The memorandum outlines five core pillars for all USDA agencies to focus their new R&D activities:
- Increasing Producer Profitability: Prioritizing projects that reduce input costs (e.g., fuel, fertilizer) and increase mechanization or automation to offset labor shortages.
- Market Expansion & New Uses: Focus on resolving “sanitary and phytosanitary” trade barriers to open foreign markets and developing novel biobased products and biofuels to boost domestic demand.
- Agricultural Integrity & Biosecurity: Combatting invasive species and diseases like the New World Screwworm, Spotted Lanternfly, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
- Soil Health & Productivity: Emphasizing “common-sense” conservation that increases water-use efficiency and long-term land productivity rather than just environmental compliance.
- Precision Nutrition: Shifting human health research toward how dietary patterns impact individuals, with the goal of encouraging consumption of American-grown commodities.
The new Food Dietary Guidelines are expected to drive demand for whole, American-grown foods, aligning with federal priorities to support farmer profitability, market expansion, and innovation. Farmers and food businesses who currently produce or will adapt to these guidelines will be well-positioned to benefit from both consumer trends and federal support. Production priorities will include crop or livestock mix that includes grains, full-fat dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables prioritized and value-added products that meet the guidelines, such as minimally processed cheeses, yogurt, or farm-fresh produce boxes.
Pathways for Farmer Engagement
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
The FSA is the primary vehicle for direct financial relief and bridge funding.
- Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA): Access the recently announced $12 billion in assistance designed to help producers manage volatility and rising input costs.
- Microloans: Targeted at small and mid-sized farmers, providing up to $50,000 with simplified application processes for equipment and operating costs.
Rural Development
Rural Development offers energy and water/environmental funding tools to producers and agricultural businesses. You can review annual open grants and lending program at Energy Programs | Rural Development. One of which includes:
- The Rural Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
- The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) opens each year in January and the application due date is April 15th.The VAPG program helps U.S. agricultural producers enter into value-added activities that generate new products from raw agricultural commodities, create and expand marketing opportunities, and/or increase producer income through enhanced product value and market reach.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Technical & Soil Support
Engagement here focuses on the “original conservationist” model mentioned in the memo and a new announcement of $700 Million toward a new Regenerative Pilot Program will create a streamlined application (forthcoming) through NRCS and available through your local office.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Apply for financial and technical assistance to implement practices that improve soil health and water efficiency.
- Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): Use this for incentives to convert environmentally sensitive land into resource-conserving cover, now with a focus on long-term productivity.
Explore Urban and Innovative Agriculture
Urban farmers and those interested in innovative production methods can apply for grants through the USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) program. This supports planning and implementation activities for projects that increase access to fresh foods in underserved areas.
Strengthen Local and Regional Food Systems
Connect with USDA programs that support local and regional food systems, such as the Local Agricultural Marketing Program (LAMP) which includes the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) and Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Value-Added Producer Grant. These programs help build distribution networks, improve processing capacity, and expand market access for local producers.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) & NIFA – Innovation
Farmers can participate in on-farm trials or provide input on R&D needs.
- Precision Agriculture: Seek partnerships for testing mechanization and automation tools designed to lower operational overhead.
- Regional Hubs: With the reorganization plan (SM 1078-015), engagement will shift toward five regional hubs (Kansas City, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Fort Collins, Salt Lake City) to bring USDA experts closer to local producers.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) – Market Access
For producers looking to export, the FAS is realigning to focus strictly on American interests.
- Trade Barrier Resolution: Producers can report “longstanding sanitary and phytosanitary” issues that prevent their goods from entering specific foreign markets.
Next Steps
To find the specific application deadlines for your county, you can always reach out to us at Stewards Unlimited for further clarification, join our free Grant Alerts, and also connect with your local USDA Service Center.