(NSF) — Gov. Ron DeSantis wants all Florida businesses to use a system to prevent undocumented immigrants from getting jobs in the state, but a powerful Republican leader is pushing back against the proposal. Senate President Bill Galvano said this week he does not support a measure that would force Florida’s private employers to use the federal government’s E-Verify system, …
Groups Respond to China Phase One Trade News
NCBA Welcomes First Phase In U.S./China Trade Deal (NCBA) — National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the U.S. and China have agreed to a phase one trade deal: “The announcement of a phase one deal with China is welcome news for the U.S. beef industry. While we wait to learn …
Researchers Fortify Queen of the Forages with Disease Defense
(USDA/ARS) — Alfalfa is often called the “Queen of the Forages” due to its high yield, feed quality for ruminant animals, nitrogen fixation and pollinator habitat among other environmental services. But this royal member of the legume family is no match against the host of microbes that cause the disease complex known as “crown rot.” Chemical controls aren’t effective against …
‘Very Large’ Chinese Trade Agreement Reached
After nearly 18 months of negotiation, a limited Chinese trade agreement was announced on Friday morning. President Donald Trump confirmed via Twitter that the first phase of a trade deal with China had been reached, which will include “massive purchases” of American agricultural products. The United States will be canceling a scheduled increase in tariffs while maintaining a 25 percent tariff …
Clearing the Confusion on Plant-Based or Plant-Forward Diets
Bob Parker, National Peanut Board president and CEO, says that one of the hottest trends these days is plant-based or plant-forward eating. This trend is the result of research that says diets focused on eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds and less meat and dairy lead to improved health outcomes. Tyron Spearman explains why the term …
Seven Trade Missions to Expand Ag Exports Planned for 2020
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be embarking on a record of seven agribusiness trade missions in 2020 to foster trade relationships and diversify export opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers. The trade missions will begin in March with a trip to the North African countries of Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. That will be followed by a trade trip …
How to Build an Herb Spiral in Your Garden
Whether you are a professional chef, or just cook for your family at home, you know fresh herbs are always better for meal preparation. Cathy Isom gives you some detailed instruction about how to build a herb spiral in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you do a lot of cooking at home, then you …
Florida’s Arguments Rejected in ‘Water War’
(NSF) — For years, Florida has blamed Georgia’s water use for causing damage to the economically vital oyster industry in Apalachicola Bay. But a special master appointed by the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed this week, dealing a major blow to Florida in its legal fight to force Georgia to share more water in a river system that links the two …
Congressman Bishop Comments on Special Master Ruling in Water Litigation
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, released a statement following Special Master Paul Kelly’s ruling in Georgia’s water litigation: “I am elated by this ruling, which is a major victory for Georgia. As we move forward, I hope we can come to …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on Florida-Georgia Water Ruling
(FDACS) — Following the ruling by a federal judge on Georgia’s consumption of water shared with Florida, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried offered the following statement: “This ruling is a major disappointment for fair, responsible water usage on which both states depend. Georgia’s unchecked disruption of our shared waters in the Apalachicola River has devastated Florida’s oyster industry. I’m encouraging our …