Farmers, Ranchers, Forest Landowners Protect Pollinator Habitat

Clint Thompson Florida, Pollinators

By Florida’s USDA NRCS State Conservationist Juan Hernandez and USDA FSA State Executive Director Sherry McCorkle  The next time you snack on almonds, add blueberries to your smoothie or eat pumpkin pie, thank a pollinator and the farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners who work hard to create and maintain their habitat. Pollinators, such as honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, birds, bats, …

Brief Seeking to Invalidate EPA’s Dicamba Existing Stocks Order

Clint Thompson Alabama, Environment, Florida, Georgia

A coalition of national grower trade associations are urging the Ninth Circuit to reject an NGO call to invalidate EPA’s dicamba existing stocks order for three dicamba products whose registrations were immediately vacated by the court earlier this month. The National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, National Cotton Council of America, National Association of Wheat …

Southwest Florida Ranchers Receiving Pay to Help Panthers

Clint Thompson Environment, Florida

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind ranchers in Southwest Florida they may be able to get paid for helping the Florida panther. NRCS will provide technical and financial assistance for conservation practices that improve its habitat through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), but the deadline to sign up is June 15. To be eligible for this …

Commissioner Fried Applauds Cabinet Approval of Conservation and Aquaculture Projects

Clint Thompson Aquaculture, Environment, Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Cabinet approved a Florida Forever land acquisition project in Franklin County and Wakulla County and an aquaculture lease project in Gulf County. These projects will help support Florida’s aquaculture industry, which has suffered massive sales decreases due to COVID-19, and will provide important conservation protections for natural lands and wildlife in the Panhandle area. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is the state’s lead …

CSP Sign-Up in Alabama Ends May 29

Clint Thompson Alabama, Environment

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama reminds farmers, ranchers and private landowners that sign-up for the 2020 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) ends May 29. NRCS accepts CSP applications throughout the year but makes funding selections at specific times during the fiscal year. “NRCS works hard to help eligible farmers, ranchers and private landowners plan and carry out conservation …

NACD Submits Comments on RCPP Rule

Clint Thompson Alabama, Environment, Florida, General, Georgia

Last week, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) submitted public comments to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on the interim Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) rule. RCPP was first created in the 2014 Farm Bill, and conservation districts across the country have successfully applied for, partnered with and led a large portion of all projects since the program’s …

50th Anniversary of Earth Day Stresses Climate Change, Health

Dan Climate Change, Environment, Florida

(UF/IFAS) — Cooped up inside during the novel coronavirus quarantine? Go for a walk. As you amble outside your home, bear in mind the effort required to preserve the beauty around you, says a UF/IFAS Extension regional sustainability agent. That message from Ramona Madhosingh-Hector resonates, especially as we near April 22, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This year, Earth …

USDA Invests to Protect Florida’s Natural Resources

Dan Environment, Florida, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $16,508,441 million in Florida for partner-driven conservation projects through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $20,822,664 million in partner contributions. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Florida State Conservationist Rafael Vega (acting). “Through collaboration and aligning …

USDA Invests in Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Alabama

Dan Alabama, Environment, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $1 in Alabama for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage $1,000,235 in partner contributions in Alabama.  “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Ben Malone, State Conservationist in Alabama. “Through collaboration and …

USDA Invests Partner-Driven Projects that Protect Natural Resources in Georgia

Dan Environment, Georgia, Industry News Release, USDA-NRCS

(USDA/NRCS) — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced that it is investing $2,077,922 in Georgia for a partner-driven conservation project through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage an additional $2,200,000 in partner contributions from the project lead, the Georgia Conservancy. “I’m excited to announce the first RCPP awards under the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Terrance O. …