extension

COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs

Dan Education, Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …

farm bill

NCBA: Beef Business amid the COVID-19 Outbreak

Clint Thompson Beef, Environment

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) held a media conference call Wednesday to discuss the current state of the beef business amid the COVID-19 outbreak. NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs, Ethan Lane, provided an update on what NCBA is doing within the industry and in Washington, DC to ensure that beef continues to make it to consumers.

environmental

Bill Seeks to Add ‘Teeth’ to Environmental Laws

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release, Legislative

(NSF) — An increase in fines for environmental lawbreakers, a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis, is heading to his desk. The House voted 115-0 on Thursday to give final approval to a proposal (HB 1091) that would make numerous changes in the amounts and duration of penalties for violating Florida environmental laws. The Senate also unanimously backed the bill earlier …

florida forever

Florida Forever to Get $100 Million

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

(NSF) — Florida Forever, the state’s signature land-preservation program, will get a sizable, one-time boost in funding as lawmakers inched closer Sunday to patching together an estimated $92 billion budget for next fiscal year. House and Senate negotiators also agreed to keep alive an economic development fund backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis but cut spending on the program. The $100 …

wotus

House Approves DeSantis’ Call to Hike Environmental Fines

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release, Water

(NSF) — The Florida Legislature is close to approving Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to boost fines on environmental lawbreakers. The House, with little comment, voted 106-0 on Friday to pass a proposal (HB 1091) that would make numerous changes in the amounts and duration of penalties for violating Florida environmental laws. The Senate put on hold a similar proposal (SB …

florida

EQIP is the Workhorse of Conservation

Dan Environment, USDA-NRCS

Many landowners are familiar with EQIP, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. It provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver a variety of environmental benefits. According to NRCS Associate Chief, Kevin Norton, EQIP is the workhorse of conservation. Norton told Southeast AgNet that programs through EQIP are not just about traditional crop production. Learn more …

varroa

USDA Announces Updates for Honeybee Producers

Dan Aquaculture, Industry News Release, Pollinators

(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced updates to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). These updates include changes required by the 2018 Farm Bill as well as discretionary changes intended to improve the administration of the program and clarify existing program requirements. “Honeybee producers should pay close attention …

senators

Senators Continue Push for Florida Forever Money

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

(NSF) — Senators pressed forward Tuesday with a proposal that would provide $100 million a year for Florida Forever, as the House and Senate go into budget talks far apart on the land-buying program. The Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee backed a proposal (SB 332) by Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, that would funnel $100 million annually to …