Scott Calls for Boost in Environmental Budget

Dan Environment, Florida

Florida-wetlands-EvergladesSpending on Florida’s natural resources and environmental programs would grow by $220 million under a proposal by Gov. Rick Scott as he nears his final recommended state budget. The $1.7 billion environmental package for lawmakers to consider in 2018 includes increased funding for the state’s springs, beaches and parks, along with $355 million for Everglades restoration, $50 million to help …

Reuters Says WHO Glyphosate Report Full of Lies

Dan Environment, Industry News Release

A new report by Reuters says the World Health Organization (WHO) purposefully distorted it’s finding on glyphosate, resulting in the United Nations claiming the weed killer is a carcinogen. Reuters examined documents from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s assessment of glyphosate, a report that has prompted international disputes and lawsuits. The examination found key sections of the report …

Canada Won’t Place Further Restrictions on Dicamba

Dan Environment, Industry News Release

Canada will not follow a move by the U.S. to place further restrictions on dicamba herbicides. Health Canada, responsible for regulations of herbicides, says it supports the current Canadian labels for dicamba. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently increased restrictions on the use of dicamba sprayed over crops, after the first season of use for dicamba-resistant soybeans turned up about …

Farmers Need to Be Aware of Dicamba Labeling Restriction

Dan Corn, Environment, Industry News Release

Farmers interested in using dicamba as part of their crop strategy in the 2018 growing season need to be aware only certified applicators, or those under direct supervision will be allowed to apply the product. The label change reflects an agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency, Monsanto, BASF and DuPont on measures to further minimize the potential for drift to …

EPA Ending “Sue and Settle”

Dan Environment, Industry News Release, Legislative

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt is touting a directive he signed this week to end the EPA’s so-called “sue and settle” strategy, a practice agriculture groups opposed. Pruitt issued an Agency-wide directive Monday to end the practice, a move he says means “the days of regulation through litigation are over.” Pruitt said the agency would “no longer go …

More than 2,500 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Okeechobee Ranch Preserved

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of 2,523 acres of environmentally sensitive land within Corona Ranch in Okeechobee County through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, where the state partners with Florida’s …

UF, Invasive Species Centre Draw International Crowd to Invasive Pests Conference

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release

Researchers from around the world will gather at what many consider to be a perfect storm for invasive aquatic plants. With 28 ports of entry and a tropical environment, Florida ranks first among states for invasive species. Thus, 250 scientists from 13 countries will gather at the 20th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species from Oct. 22 to 26 in …

WOTUS Argued Before the Supreme Court

Dan Cattle, Environment, Industry News Release, Livestock, Pork, Water

The pork industry and other ag interests argued before the Supreme Court that now possibly moot lawsuits over the Obama administration Waters of the US. (WOTUS) rule should be handled at the federal district court level, not before an appellate court. The National Pork Producers Council and dozens of other agriculture groups in oral arguments before the high court, say …

Weed Scientist Has Doubts Over Dicamba Restrictions Effectiveness

Dan Environment, Industry News Release

The Environmental Protection Agency last week declared dicamba under it’s “restricted use” category, but a weed scientist from Illinois has doubts the new restrictions will be beneficial. Aaron Hager, a weed scientist and professor at the University of Illinois, told Reuters: “Nothing in these new restrictions addresses volatility, and that’s still an issue.” The EPA said Friday it would classify …