The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the U.S. These awards were made through the Aquaculture Research Program authorized by the Competitive Special and Facilities Research Grants Act, administered by NIFA. “By 2030, it’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of fish consumed …
Farmers May Get Loans to Help With Irma Damage
Florida farmers in 44 counties may be eligible for federal loans to help cover damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced. Still, Florida might have to wait months for broader federal assistance to the agriculture industry, which sustained more than $2.5 billion in losses from the storm. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue notified Gov. Rick …
Putnam Announces Preliminary Florida Agricultural Damages Due to Hurricane Irma Total $2.5 Billion
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the preliminary agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida total more than $2.5 billion. In an initial report released today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimated losses for each segment of agriculture. The preliminary economic assessments account for current crop losses and ancillary losses, such as debris …
USDA Agency-led Group Profiles U.S. Aquaculture for World Report
Charting a course ahead for the conservation and sustainable farming of freshwater and marine species is a chief focus of the first State of the World’s Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report will contain smaller subsections from 89 contributing countries, including the United States. This summer, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) national program leader Caird …
Stocking Your Aquaponics System
Cathy Isom has some suggestions about the best fish species to source for your aquaculture or aquaponics system. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Some of the best-recommended fish species to add to your new backyard aquaculture or aquaponics system on the farm include Blue Tile Tilapia, also known as Rocky Mountain White tilapia. They are fast-growing, …
Getting Started With Aquaponics
Cathy Isom has some tips about getting started with an aquaculture or aquaponics system. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. An aquaculture or aquaponics system can be a beautiful addition to any backyard or farm. But you’ll need to know the best place or places to source fish species to stock it. Forget about the local …
Add a Pond to Your Garden or Farm
Cathy Isom has so many reasons why a pond would make a great addition to your garden or farm. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whether you’d prefer a trickling waterfall or a babbling brook. Or perhaps something much smaller and quiet tucked away in the plant foliage, ponds are an easy addition to or farm. …
Nearly $1 Million Grant Will Help Struggling Blue Crab Industry
A researcher at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences wants to study the blue crab and a viral pathogen that infects it. Now, a nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation will help Donald Behringer and colleagues study the disease along the entire western Atlantic seaboard. In Florida, several disasters—including hurricanes in 2004, 2005, …
Funding for Research to Improve Livestock and Aquaculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced 40 grants totaling more than $15.7 million for agricultural research on the production of beef, dairy, poultry, pork, and fish that people consume every day. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “To ensure …
Certification Program to Teach Florida Students About Aquaculture
In an effort to help teach students about aquaculture, Dan Conner, an aquaculture teacher and member of the board of directors for the Florida Aquaculture Association (FAA), has helped spearhead a certification program. Conner says he feels this program needs to be available to students due to the popularity of aquaculture in the state. The program also helps aquaculture farmers …