~ Maximum grant for eligible producers raised from $50,000 to $150,000 ~ (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 21,2023) — Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced a cost-share assistance program to support agricultural producers severely impacted by Hurricane Idalia. The cost-share assistance program will be administered though the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy and will support …
Emergency Watershed Protection Assistance Available to Florida Communities Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS in FL) is encouraging local and state governments to serve as sponsors and request Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance to relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by Hurricane Idalia. Through EWP, NRCS provides assistance to local and state governments, for the cost of addressing watershed impairments or hazards such as debris removal and …
Senator Tuberville Pushes for Farm Programs
While lawmakers continue the back-and-forth on the budget, some are keeping their eye on the Farm Bill. Speaking on the Senate Floor, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) made a plea for farmers. “The whole purpose of the Farm Bill is supposed to be to help farmers. What an idea. Yet seven out of eight dollars, again, seven out of eight dollars …
DeSantis, Cabinet Back Conservation Deals
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Sept. 18, 2023) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet on Monday quickly approved $141 million in deals that will help preserve land from the Panhandle to Southwest Florida. During a meeting held by telephone, DeSantis and Cabinet members supported three land purchases under the Florida Forever program. They also approved buying three conservation easements, which help preserve …
Secretaries of Education, Agriculture Call on Governors to Equitably Fund Land-Grant HBCUs
(USDA/WASHINGTON, September 18, 2023) — U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack today sent letters to 16 governors emphasizing the over $12 billion disparity in funding between land-grant Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their non-HBCU land-grant peers in their states. The 16 governors receiving the letter are: There are HBCU land-grant institutions in …
USDA Announces Projects to Boost Access to Green Space for Millions
Historic funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will increase urban tree cover, boost equitable access to nature, and improve climate resilience in communities covered by the Justice40 Initiative (USDA/WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2023) — Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service is awarding more than $1 billion in competitive grants to plant and maintain …
Disaster Assistance Provided to Farmers, Livestock Producers in Florida Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. (USDA-NRCS/GAINESVILLE, FL/Sept. 12, 2023) — Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical …
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Florida Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
Florida agricultural operations that have been impacted by Hurricane Idalia and related weather events are being reminded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) there is both technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist …
Group Wants Candidates to Understand Importance of Trade
Election season is getting underway, and one ag group wants candidates to talk about trade. As election season begins to kick into full gear, the agricultural organization Farmers for Free Trade waits for candidates to share their positions on the issues. Executive Director Brian Kuehl says they’re letting candidates know how important trade is. “We want to see all of …
Federal Government Approves Disaster Declaration for Cook, Glynn, and Lowndes Counties Following Hurricane Idalia
(GDA/Atlanta, GA/Sept. 8, 2023) — Yesterday evening, in response to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s request, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved a disaster declaration allowing Georgians in Cook, Glynn, and Lowndes Counties access to emergency relief funds following the significant damage caused by Hurricane Idalia on August 30, 2023. As damage assessments continue in other areas affected by the storm, Commissioner …