Honoring Excellence in Peanut Production The 2025 Farm Press Peanut Efficiency Awards are being presented this week at the annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, held at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. These prestigious awards recognize peanut growers who excel in production efficiency — achieving high yields while optimizing input use. Each year, top producers from four …
EPA Announces Reduction in Force
EPA Restructures to Refocus on Core Mission and Science Priorities The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a major reduction in force (RIF) as part of its broader restructuring strategy, marking a significant shift in the agency’s approach to science, research, and regulatory support. This realignment is projected to save $748.8 million and will primarily affect the Office of Research …
Commissioner Simpson Applauds Federal Relief, Highlights Scope of Damage
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson praised the $675.9 million block grant agreement as a critical lifeline for the state’s producers, who faced more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons due to Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. “Florida’s producers have endured back-to-back devastating hurricane seasons, and this funding is a major victory that …
USDA Announces Millions in Hurricane Relief for Florida Farmers
Secretary Rollins Confirms Major Disaster Assistance for Florida Agriculture Block Grant Agreement to Address Citrus, Timber, Infrastructure, and Market Losses (USDA/Washington, D.C./July 21, 2025) – In a major move to support hurricane-stricken agricultural producers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $675.9 million in disaster assistance for Florida farmers during a visit with state agricultural leaders. The funding will …
USDA Reveals Plan to Address Foodborne Illness
New Food Safety Laboratory Opens with National Strategy to Protect Consumers The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a comprehensive plan to combat foodborne illness with the recent opening of its modernized Midwestern Food Safety Laboratory. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the plan enhances the Department’s approach to food safety, particularly concerning meat, poultry, and egg products. …
USDA Announces Shutdown of Regional Food Business Centers Program
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers Program, a USDA initiative launched during the pandemic under the Biden Administration. The decision marks a major shift in how the agency plans to support regional food systems moving forward. Program Faced Operational and Funding Challenges The program, administered through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service …
USTR Announces Section 301 Investigation of Brazil
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched a Section 301 investigation into Brazil’s trade practices, signaling a potential shift in long-standing agricultural trade tensions. The investigation, initiated under the Trade Act of 1974, will assess whether Brazil’s policies—including preferential tariffs and restricted ethanol market access—are unfair, discriminatory, or harmful to U.S. commerce. Ethanol Access a Key …
North Georgia Technical College Offers Ag Programs to Students
North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) is opening new doors for students passionate about agriculture. As demand for skilled professionals in farming, ag technology, and animal science continues to grow, NGTC is stepping up to provide hands-on education and workforce-ready training for the next generation of agricultural leaders. Agricultural Programs with a Practical Focus Rusty Logan, Department Chair for Agriculture at …
Georgia Ag Commissioner Shares Importance of Ag role in National Security
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper joined USDA officials last week in Washington, D.C., for the announcement of the new National Farm Security Action Plan, a multi-point initiative aimed at safeguarding American agriculture from growing threats. Speaking with Southeast AgNet, Commissioner Harper emphasized the urgent need for such a plan, calling agriculture a matter of national security. “A Nation That Can’t …
IDFA Announces Removal of Artificial Food Dyes
Voluntary Commitment Announced in Washington, D.C. During a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters in Washington, D.C., the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced a voluntary commitment to remove all certified artificial food dyes from ice cream and frozen dairy products by 2028. The announcement was made alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Health and …









