Some people view drones as toys, but they can be dangerous. In fact, about 1,000 people per year are injured from using drones incorrectly. To address the potential peril, two University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers are offering ways to keep people from getting hurt while using drones. For legal advice on personal injury related to …
Georgia Longleaf Pine Groundcover Restoration Program
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia invites producers interested in learning more about longleaf pine to take part in a groundcover restoration program. The Virtual Longleaf Groundcover 201 Academy, which starts August 30, is being sponsored by the Chattahoochee Fall Line Conservation Partnership and hosted by the Longleaf Alliance. The program will focus on restoration, as expert instruction will be provided …
USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
Starting today (July 22), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 pandemic. It’s all a part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack gives some of the eligibility criteria for the new program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act …
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Practices Program is Part of EQIP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $10 million has been earmarked to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry through voluntary conservation practices in 10 states, including Florida and Georgia. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Deputy Chief of Programs, Jimmy Bramblett, says this pilot program is associated with a NRCS program many producers may already be familiar with, EQIP. Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program …
USDA Investing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced they are providing $10 million to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry through voluntary conservation practices in 10 targeted states. This includes Florida and Georgia. The assistance, available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), will help agricultural producers plan and implement voluntary conservation practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of …
USDA Provides Millions to Support Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry through Voluntary Conservation
Targeted Environmental Quality Incentives Program Signup to Open in 10 States (WASHINGTON, June 24, 2021) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $10 million to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry through voluntary conservation practices in 10 targeted states. This assistance, available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), will help agricultural producers plan and implement voluntary conservation practices that …
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and Florida Forest Service Director Erin Albury on Firefighting Helicopter Crash
Tallahassee, Fla. – A firefighting helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Leesburg with four people on board. One fatality has been confirmed and three individuals remain unaccounted for. The Federal Aviation Administration will begin investigating the incident and officials have not immediately released additional information. At the direction of Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, flags will be lowered to half-staff at all Florida Forest Service facilities, offices, …
Florida Forest Service Now Accepting Applications to Help Landowners Prevent Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks
Tallahassee, Fla.– Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. They will be open through June 18. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service made the announcement on Monday for the program. It is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, which is the known range …
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 …
Implementing Silvopasture Systems in Alabama
Many landowners in Alabama work to keep their land in the best shape possible for future generations, and agroforestry practices help some of those landowners meet this goal. According to an Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) release, one of the most recognized forms of agroforestry is the practice of establishing silvopasture systems. Alabama Extension Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Specialist, Becky Barlow, …