News

At the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), farm-to-school specialist Natalie McHale has been gearing up for a busy season. “As soon as school starts again, it’s full steam ahead every year,” she says, taking a minute away from calls with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and various local food distributors. “You know, fall is harvest season

Funds available to local organizations to support events educating about practices that promote healthy soils The 2027 Local Soil Health Workshop Grant has opened for applications under the Utah Soil Health Partnership at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). The grant opens every other year to individuals, non-governmental organizations, public agencies, or other agents who want to host

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) will host a free pesticide collection event October 14, 2026 at a UDOT road shed in Salt Lake City, providing farmers, agricultural producers, pesticide professionals, and residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or unusable pesticides. “UDAF is committed to providing practical services that make a difference for Utah agriculture and

New state solicitation creates opportunities for Utah producers to access school markets The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from Utah beef and fruit vendors, creating new opportunities for local producers to supply food for school meal programs across the state. Producers and other eligible vendors are invited to review the solicitation and

A new statewide declaration celebrates Utah-grown and Utah-made ag and food products and the people behind them.  September is officially Utah’s Own Month, following a declaration by Governor Spencer Cox establishing an annual celebration beginning in 2026. The designation recognizes the farmers, ranchers, food producers, and local businesses that feed Utah and contribute to communities across the state, while encouraging Utahns

All existing UDAF loans will receive 0% interest for one year, with optional payment deferrals of up to 12 months In response to an exceptionally difficult year for Utah agriculture, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is taking an unprecedented step to provide direct financial relief to agricultural producers with active UDAF loans. Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, interest

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is announcing the release of a commissioned study on Utah’s local food production industries, as directed and funded by the Utah legislature under H.B. 510. The study reports on local food availability, economic conditions and opportunities, barriers to entering the agricultural workforce, and food supply chain gaps. Key takeaways include a comprehensive

The Utah Department of Agriculture & Food (UDAF) and the Utah Poison Control Center (UPCC) are issuing a warning regarding illegally sold kratom products mislabeled as cat’s claw products in Utah retailers. Investigations are ongoing regarding a recent death and several severe health incidents associated with Buzzers-brand Cat’s Claw tablets found to contain illegal kratom alkaloids. UDAF and UPCC warn

Taylorsville, UT —The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) will open the application period for the second of two independent medical cannabis pharmacies, as required by House Bill 54 (HB54) passed during the 2025 legislative session. The application will be open to receive submissions between August 3, 2026, and September 2, 2026.  One of the goals of the bill

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is now accepting applications for the expanded Utah Food Security Grant (UFSG).  This initiative will invest millions of dollars into projects designed to strengthen the state’s food supply chain and increase access to locally grown and raised food in rural communities.   Through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health