In an effort to strengthen its commitment to reducing food waste in advance of World Health Day on April 7, USDA has launched a new “FoodKeeper” app that delivers valuable food storage and safety information right to consumers’ mobile devices.

The Coalition for Sugar Reform welcomed the introduction of the Sugar Reform Act of 2015 into the US House of Representatives, legislation it says will reform the America’s costly depression-era sugar program. The act is companion legislation to the bill introduced in the senate in February.

USDA announced $9 million in grants, funded through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, to help develop childhood obesity intervention programs through colleges and universities in 12 states and Puerto Rico.

USDA announced more than $66.5 million in funding for research and extension programs to address needs of the nation’s specialty crop industry and solve critical organic agriculture production issues.

USDA has released data outlining the agricultural opportunities of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and how it would help boost agricultural exports for all 50 states.

USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) revealed more than $160 million was made available to fund research, education and extension of projects that address current challenges affecting food production.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) deregulated two varieties of apples last week that are genetically engineered to resist browning.