The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments and virtually attend a public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Committee. The virtual meeting will run from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm Eastern on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. ? The Committee is part of USDA’s …
NCBA President Hits Back at Animal Rights Activists and Policymakers Attacking the Beef Checkoff
(NCBA/WASHINGTON, D. C./July 26, 2023) — Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer, responded to attacks on the Beef Checkoff and NCBA from animal rights activists and their allies in Congress: “As a cattle producer, I know what it means to work hard for every dollar, and I am proud to invest my money …
USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to September 25, 2023. “We understand the extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Ian and the catastrophic and widespread impacts in Florida’s agricultural communities,” said Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive …
GDA Makes Appointments to the Agriculture Commodity Commissions
(GDA/Atlanta, GA) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced appointments to thirteen of Georgia’s Agriculture Commodity Commissions. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) administers the farmer-funded and self-help programs. Funds collected by the commissions under grower-approved market orders support that research, education, and promotion of each commodity. “As a 7th generation farmer, I know firsthand the vital role the Georgia Agriculture …
Spartz Ag Appropriations Amendment Ignites Checkoff Debate
The cattle industry is speaking out against a proposed amendment to the ag appropriations bill, and the Representative behind the amendment is firing back. Introduced by Indiana Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN-05), the amendment states that none of the funds made available by the bill may be used to carry out commodity checkoff programs. Vice President of Government Affairs with the …
FDACS Seeks Input from Produce Growers on the Farm to School Program
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking input from produce growers in the state on the Farm to School Initiative. If you grow and market fresh produce of any kind, they want to hear from you. It’s all part of an effort to further develop the existing Initiative. FDACS is conducting a survey to better understand how farmers and schools are …
Legislation Would Exempt Farms from Emission Reporting
Last week, a group of lawmakers introduced legislation to exclude reporting of routine emissions from livestock farms to state and local emergency response authorities. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) supports the legislation. Pork producers and other livestock industries have engaged with federal and state regulators for decades over permitting and reporting of air emissions. This engagement has included both …
USDA Investing in Urban Agriculture
The USDA is investing in urban agriculture. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA announced a series of investments that will increase market access and revenue streams for producers while strengthening the food system. The investments will also give consumers better access to locally-grown foods and healthier choices. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small …
AEM Highlight Benefits of Precision Agriculture, Supports Ag Bills
Many people in farming already know the benefits of precision agriculture but Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) says a new study by the association aims to help the public understand. “What we attempted to do at AEM was to quantify those numbers to put them in a way that really would show the …
Sweet Grown Alabama Day is Saturday
Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s non-profit agricultural branding program, will celebrate all things locally grown for “Sweet Grown Alabama Day” on Saturday, July 22. Participating in Sweet Grown Alabama Day is simple — do at least one activity that supports an Alabama farmer. Consumers can make a purchase from their local farmer, cook a meal made with local ingredients, pick …