(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 …
NCBA: Beef Business amid the COVID-19 Outbreak
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.
Bill Seeks to Add ‘Teeth’ to Environmental Laws
(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 to Get $100 Million
(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 …
House Approves DeSantis’ Call to Hike Environmental Fines
(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 …
EQIP is the Workhorse of Conservation
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 …
USDA Assisting in Coronavirus Prevention Effort
Coronavirus is top news right now, and an issue that many in the U.S. Government are dealing with. As Rod Bain reports, there are even some measures the Agriculture Department is taking as part of an agency-wide federal effort to address the threat.
CRP Sign Up Ends Friday
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 2020 general signup, that they must make an offer of acres or schedule an appointment to do so with their local USDA service center by Friday, February 28. Tyron Spearman has more details.
USDA Announces Updates for Honeybee Producers
(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 Continue Push for Florida Forever Money
(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 …