Since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted back in December, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been working to implement programs that offer strong support for conservation efforts of America’s farmers and ranchers. One of those programs is the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). It helps landowners restore, enhance and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands through easements and …
Sign Up Ends October 15 for HFRP in Florida
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that the sign up period for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) ends next Tuesday, October 15. It is a Farm Bill program that purchases conservation and provides cost share funding for conservation management. This program is for landowners with property within the O2O Corridor in the Florida counties of Columbia, …
Scientists Release First Map of Areas Suitable for Spotted Lanternfly Establishment in U.S. and World
WAPATO, WASHINGTON (USDA/ARS-October 3, 2019) — A map identifying the areas suitable for establishment of the spotted lanternfly (SLF) in the United States and other countries has been published in the Journal of Economic Entomology by Agricultural Research Service scientists. Areas in the United States that have been identified as possible spotted lanternfly habitat. The SLF, originally from China, has spread to Korea …
Signup Underway for Healthy Forests Reserve Program in Florida
The sign up period for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is open for applications through Oct. 15 for certain counties in Florida. Administered by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), HFRP is a farm bill program that helps landowners restore, enhance and protect forestland resources through the purchase of conservation easements and financial assistance for management activities. …
NRCS Providing Reforestation Support After Hurricanes
When Hurricane Michael moved through the central Panhandle of Florida, southeastern Alabama, and southwest and central Georgia last year, many acres of forestland were destroyed. Some landowners had timber that was close to being harvested — something a few of them were counting on for their retirement. But now they face the prospect of cleaning up the debris and replanting …
USDA Resources Available for Farmers Hurt by 2018, 2019 Disasters
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, AL (ACES-September 18, 2019) — Farmers and producers in 25 Alabama counties affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply for assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) beginning Sept. 11. “Alabama agriculture has taken some body blows over the last two years from extreme weather,” said Jessica …
Three Alabama Counties Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster …
Holmes County, Florida Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border State Also Available WASHINGTON (USDA/FSA-Sept. 10, 2019) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Holmes County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Actions for Hurricane Dorian
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS) — Ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s expected impact to Florida,Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried has issued a series of emergency orders and actions to provide critical assistance to Florida’s residents and industries. The emergency orders and actions include the following: Emergency Order 2019-003, which suspends portions of the Motor Fuel Marketing Act that prohibits fuel retailers from selling gasoline below the …
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Dorian
WASHINGTON (USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Dorian that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help. In a continuing effort to serve the public, USDA partnered with …