The Biden-Harris administration announced their vision this week of how the U.S. can work together to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. It’s been titled “America the Beautiful” and the report outlines a locally led and voluntary nationwide conservation goal to conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. Here’s Agriculture Secretary …
Biden-Harris Administration Outlines “America the Beautiful” Initiative
Initial report details vision for 10-year, locally led and voluntary nationwide effort to restore and conserve America’s lands, waters, and wildlife WASHINGTON, May 6, 2021 – The Biden-Harris administration outlined a vision for how the United States can work collaboratively to conserve and restore the lands, waters, and wildlife that support and sustain the nation. The recommendations are contained in a report …
NPPC Highlights Efficiency Gains, Reduced GHG Footprint in USDA Climate Comments
In comments submitted last week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) highlighted the efficiency gains made by U.S. pork producers that has brought about significant greenhouse gas reductions and made the sector a global model for environmental sustainability. NPPC wrote, “As it considers federal environmental policies, it is critical that USDA recognize the …
Growing Matters: ‘Four Rs’ Protects Bees, Keeps Efficacy and Saves Money
Industry leaders recommend the ‘Four Rs’ as a guide for applicators and producers. The guidelines are critical for protecting pollinators, retaining product efficacy and ultimately saving the producer money. In the latest episode of the BeSure! campaign from the Growing Matters Coalition, Syngenta’s Agronomic Service Representative Garrett Gilcrease said the ‘Four R’s’ include the right place, right time, right rate and …
Georgia Announces a Healthy Forests Reserve Program Sign Up
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia has announced the application cutoff for the fiscal year 2021 Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) funding. All interested Georgia landowners should apply by May 31, 2021. Through HFRP, NRCS can help landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private lands through easements and financial assistance. HFRP aids in the recovery …
USDA Seeking Proposals to Fund New, Unique RCPP Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to seek proposals to fund up to $75 million in new, unique projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program’s (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). They are looking for proposals that take innovative and non-traditional approaches to conservation solutions at the local, regional and landscape scales. In making selections. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will …
Commissioner Nikki Fried & FDACS Submit Public Comment on USDA Climate-Smart Agriculture Strategy
Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services submitted formal public comment on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s implementation of the President’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. As part of the Executive Order, the USDA was directed to collect stakeholder input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. Commissioner Fried …
USDA, RESTORE Council to Invest $31 Million in Gulf States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $31 million in funds has been earmarked for advance restoration work and to improve water quality in the Gulf Coast states impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To mitigate the impact of oil spills in environmentally sensitive areas, it’s essential to use oil skimming services that can efficiently remove and contain the spilled …
Financial Assistance Helps Ag Producers in Florida Improve Water Quality
Agricultural producers in select watersheds in Florida can apply for financial assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) until May 31 to improve water quality in coastal waters. The lower Suwannee watersheds are Long Pond and Long Pond Slough in Levy County and the North Old Town Hammock watershed in Gilchrist and Dixie counties. If landowners show interest, NRCS proposes funding …
USDA Awards New Partnership Project in Alabama
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a new partnership project in Alabama designed to help mitigate climate change and protect natural resources while supporting America’s producers. Overall, USDA will be investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships nationwide. This will include the “Regenerating Alabama’s Cropland” project. All projects are awarded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation …