Through a $64,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm to Schools program, the University of Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will help some Florida K-12 educators who teach science, technology, engineering, math, and agriculture start or strengthen aquaculture education programs. To apply for the program, follow the steps. The deadline for applications …
COVID-19 Impacts Mental Health on the Farm
A strong majority of farmers and farm-workers say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health, according to a new American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) poll. The poll also indicates that more than half say they are personally experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago. The survey of rural adults and farmers/farmworkers reveals how the pandemic …
Farmers Gain Improved Access to Small Business Support as PPP Reopens
(NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is pleased that farmers who run their operations as sole proprietors, independent contractors, or otherwise self-employed individuals will have newly expanded access as soon as today to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under changes made in the COVID stimulus package Congress approved last month. Producers who were denied PPP loans or whose …
Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program Coming Up
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds fisherman of the Jan. 15 deadline to apply for the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP), which provides support for fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. For more information on the program, including guidance on how to apply, visit farmers.gov/seafood or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to …
Seafood Trade Relief Program Signup Ends Jan. 15
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a reminder that the extended signup period for the Seafood Trade Relief Program ends Jan.15, 2021. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Richard Fordyce says the program supports the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. Fishermen do not need to be USDA customers to apply. For more …
Red Tide Bloom Being Monitored Off S.W. Florida
(NSF) — A red tide algae bloom is being watched in waters between Sanibel and Marco Island, state Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Director Gil McRae said Wednesday. The late-season bloom is “relatively patchy” and not as large as others in recent years, McRae told members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during a virtual meeting. “But the …
Apalachicola Oyster Harvesting Halted
(NSF) — State wildlife officials said Wednesday they hope a full five years won’t be needed to restore conditions in Apalachicola Bay as they suspended wild-oyster harvesting in the bay. Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the suspension as part of a $20 million restoration effort. The decision came despite pleas from officials in Panhandle communities …
USDA Extends Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a one-month extension to the signup period for the Seafood Trade Relief Program, which supports the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. Fishermen can now signup for the program through January 15, 2021. To date, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has paid more than $140 …
Commission to Consider Oyster Harvesting Ban
(NSF) — Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be asked on Dec. 16 to finalize the suspension of wild-oyster harvesting in Apalachicola Bay for the next five years. The issue, which will be part of a two-day online commission meeting, stems from efforts to improve the oyster population and revitalize the collapsed fishery. Commissioners on July …
Seafood Trade Relief Program Signup Ends Soon
The Seafood Trade Relief Assistance Program (STRP) provides direct payments to eligible commercial fishermen, but the deadline to apply is nearing. Through the program,the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing relief to commercial fishermen in response to trade disruptions by foreign governments that have affected seafood commodities. Payments are not loans and do not have to be repaid (unless …