President Trump’s Budget is an Assault on the Farm Safety Net and Rural Communities, National Farmers Union Says President Donald J. Trump issued the detailed fiscal year 2018 federal budget proposal, recommending drastic cuts to agricultural and rural related agencies and programs. The proposal would cut Farm Bill programs by nearly $230 billion and slash the U.S. Department of Agriculture …
Valenstein Chosen as State Environmental Chief
by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida With Gov. Rick Scott describing him as “passionate about the environment,” Noah Valenstein was named Tuesday as Florida’s next environmental secretary after a short interview with Scott and members of the state Cabinet. Valenstein, a former Scott aide who is executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, will take over at …
Proposed Ag Budget Fails Farmers, Ranchers, Farm Bureau President Says
The following may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “The American Farm Bureau Federation and its members are concerned about the federal budget deficit. However, we also know that agriculture has done its fair share to help reduce the deficit. Going back to the early 1980s, agriculture often has been targeted to generate budget savings, from …
State Preserves More than 5,000 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Ranch Lands
The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of 5,211 acres of environmentally sensitive ranch lands in Okeechobee and Highlands counties through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchases are a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, where the state partners with …
Conaway, Roberts React to Administration’s FY2018 Budget Proposal
Following the release of the Trump administration’s FY 2018 budget proposal, House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) issued the joint statement below: “We support the Trump administration’s goal of achieving three percent economic growth for our nation. USDA’s latest estimates find agriculture, food, and related industries contribute $992 billion to …
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on the Proposed FY 2018 Budget
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on the proposed FY 2018 budget: “President Trump promised he would realign government spending, attempt to eliminate duplication or redundancy and see that all government agencies are efficiently delivering services to the taxpayers of America. And that’s exactly what we are going to do at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). “Having …
Governor Scott Appoints Noah Valenstein as Secretary of DEP
Governor Rick Scott appointed, and the Florida Cabinet approved, as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Governor Scott said, “Throughout his entire career, Noah has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to protecting our state’s incredible and diverse natural treasures. As a native Floridian, Noah knows firsthand how important our natural resources are to our families and visitors, …
Commissioner Putnam Seeks Nominations for Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the class of 2018. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made lasting contributions to Florida agriculture. More information, nomination forms and a list of past inductees are available at FloridaAgHallofFame.org. Nominations must be submitted by …
Culver’s Donates 238 Blue Jackets to FFA
Culver’s restaurant chain recently donated over $30,000 dollars to the National FFA’s blue jacket program. The donation will cover the cost of 238 blue jackets, which will be presented to kids from all over the nation that likely couldn’t afford one on their own. The blue corduroy jackets are widely known as the official dress code for the National FFA …
Consumers Overwhelmed by Conflicting Food Information
American consumers are getting more information about their food than ever before. However, consumers are still short on nutritional literacy and it may be affecting the nation’s health. Those are just a few of the findings from the 12th annual Health and Food Survey conducted by the International Food and Health Information Foundation. Similar to results from previous years, the …