Gainesville, FL., April 16, 2010— USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Florida State Conservationist, Carlos Suarez, announced today the availability of funding for the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) to restore, enhance, protect, and manage habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife. WREP is a voluntary conservation program that works through partnership agreements with states, nongovernmental organizations, and tribes.
Tension is Mounting in FL Legislative Session
There are two weeks left in Florida’s 2010 legislative session and according to Florida Farm Bureau director of state legislative affairs, Ben Parks, things are starting to really heat up. Download Audio
Partnerships for Water Conservation Needed
GAINESVILLE, FL -The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced the availability of $61.2 million in national financial assistance funding for Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) projects. This funding will help producers conserve surface and ground water and improve water quality on agricultural land.
AAC to Host Ag Commissioner Candidates at Annual Meeting
Executive Director of the Alabama Agri-Business Council, Leigha Cauthen, says those attending their annual meeting on May 3-4, 2010, will have an opportunity to hear from the Commissioner of Agriculture candidates. Download Audio
Conservation Innovation Grant Funding Available
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of approximately $25 million in fiscal year 2010 to fund projects designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in fiscal year 2010.
FL Tomato Safety Bill on the Governor’s Desk
Senate Bill 350, requiring increased inspection of Florida grown tomatoes, is now headed to Gov. Charlie Crist’s desk. Download Audio
FLP Working to Save Forest Lands
WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the award of grants to permanently protect private forestland in 33 states and U.S. territories through the Forest Legacy Program (FLP). The 2010 FLP awards, which total $72 million, will help the program reach a total of over 2 million permanently protected acres across the country. Download Audio
FCA Tracking Horse Slaughter Bill
Sam Ard, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, talks about one bill they been working on during this year’s legislative session in Florida that deals with the unlawful slaughter of horses and cattle. Download Audio
U.S. Could Send Poultry to Russia Soon
U.S. government and poultry industry officials say they have agreed to a new approach on talks to resolve a trade dispute with Russia over its ban on U.S. chicken. Download Audio
U.S. May Resume Poultry and Turkey Exports to EU
U.S. poultry and turkey producers may be on the brink of exporting their products to the European Union. Download Audio