Three meetings this week in three different areas of the state brought more discussion that should wake up producers and others in agriculture who have remained mostly silent for decades. As the state’s population continues to swell by a 1,000 new residents each day, Florida’s population will likely exceed 22-million next year. As the nation’s third most populous state, there’s …
Wetlands Proposal Deadline is Friday
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners and conservation partners the deadline to submit proposals to protect and restore critical wetlands is June 14. USDA is making available up to $40 million in technical and financial assistance for these projects. Restored wetlands improve water quality downstream and improve wildlife habitat, while also providing flood prevention and recreational benefits …
State Task Force Tackles Toxic Algae
TALLAHASSEE (NSF) — Reducing harmful nutrients in state waters, through moves such as more monitoring and staffing, is an expected short-term goal of a new task force set up by Gov. Ron DeSantis to look at toxic algae fouling Florida waterways. But with a brief timeline for the five-member Blue Green Algae Task Force to reach its initial findings, don’t …
NRCS Preparing to Implement 2018 Farm Bill Programs
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff has been busy preparing rules and regulations connected to implementation of 2018 Farm Bill programs. Speaking recently before lawmakers in Washington D.C., NRCS Chief Matt Lohr said they are on track to get things done. Sponsored ContentUnited Dairy Farmers of Florida Director Encouraged About the FutureMarch 27, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provided …
Saving Florida’s Treasured Wetlands
Many living in the state of Florida understand why wetlands are treasures of the state. But according to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly half of 20.3 million wetland acres have been lost since settlers began draining and diking wetlands in the 19th century. And of course the growing population threatens what remains. So USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation service …
USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants
USDA has announced they are investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through July 29, 2019, for national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). These are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production …
Final EPA Rule Exempts Farms From Emissions Reporting
The National Pork Producers Council applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for finalizing its rule exempting livestock farmers from reporting to state and local authorities the routine emissions from their farms. “This rule is the final piece in the implementation of the FARM Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support last year and eliminated the need for livestock …
USDA Opens Signup for National Conservation Innovation Grants
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem-solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests – ultimately, they improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Program At A Glance National and State CIG – Public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and …
Court Strikes 2015 Water Rule
A federal court on Tuesday invalidated the Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ 2015 expansion of federal jurisdiction over small and isolated waters. After years of litigation in suits filed by dozens of state governments and trade groups, this is the first court to reach a final decision on the lawfulness of the 2015 Waters of the United …
USDA Seeks Project Proposals to Protect and Restore Critical Wetlands
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants landowners to know they are making available up to $40 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands. Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through WREP, states, local units …