Commissioner Nikki Fried Announces New Farmworker COVID-19 Testing Efforts

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced today new efforts to provide COVID-19 testing for farmworkers as the fall harvest season begins, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and local county governments. Beginning this week, farmworkers will have access to numerous no-cost COVID-19 testing …

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers, Livestock Producers in Alabama, Surrounding States Impacted by Hurricane Sally

Clint Thompson General

MOBILE, Ala., Sept. 30, 2020 – Hurricane Sally’s flooding and high winds impacted agricultural operations in Alabama and surrounding states, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. As agricultural producers move into recovery mode and assess damages, they should contact their local USDA Service Center to report …

COVID-19 Impact on Agriculture

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

According to a USDA economist, the disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the U.S. agricultural system have been broad and varied. Tyron Spearman has the story. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Funded Research Impactful for the Future of the Florida Cattle IndustryOctober 31, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Offers Unique Opportunity For Applied ResearchOctober 24, 2025

Coalition Seeks CCC Funds for Farm Workers

Clint Thompson Coronavirus

More than 160 farm groups as part of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition want Commodity Credit Corporation funds to help protect farmworkers. In a letter to Vice President Mike Pence, the coalition says, “We ask for your help as we continue to promote the health and safety of our farm employees and rural communities.” Pence is head of the White House …

Farm Groups Applaud CCC Agreement

Clint Thompson General

The decision by House lawmakers to include Commodity Credit Corporation funding in the continuing resolution demonstrates their support for America’s farmers, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The stopgap measure provides nearly $8 billion for nutrition assistance programs, replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation and stipulate some Congressional oversight of spending through CCC. Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, …

AFBF: Congress Must Leave Farmers and Ranchers Out of Political Fight

Clint Thompson General

Election year politics are putting ad-hoc farm safety net tools in jeopardy. The continuing resolution in the House of Representatives this week does not include a replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The $30 billion CCC fund is used, in part, to aid farmers and ranchers in times of economic emergencies. In a statement, American Farm Bureau Federation President …

How Peanuts Fare Under CFAP-2

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Peanuts

Last Friday it was announced that up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers facing market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19 could sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) starting today, Sept. 21. Tyron Spearman explains how peanuts fare under this new round of CFAP. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 1, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement …

Focus of 2020 National Farm Safety and Health Week

Clint Thompson General

Making sure the safety and health of every agricultural producer counts is the focus of this year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week, which started Sunday, Sept. 20. Rod Bain has more details about the campaign designed to acknowledge, celebrate and uplift America’s farmers and ranchers. National Farm Safety and Health Week for 2020 runs September 20-26. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture …

Commissioner Fried to Florida Farmers: Apply for Second Round of USDA Support Immediately

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. — Following this morning’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on additional funding to support agricultural producers facing market disruptions and costs due to COVID-19, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried is urging all eligible Florida farmers to apply as soon as applications open on Monday, September 21 with the enrollment period running through December 11, 2020.  Up to an additional $14 billion has been designated for additional support through the Coronavirus Food Assistance …

USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers, Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus

Clint Thompson Coronavirus, USDA

(Washington, D.C., September 18, 2020) – President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin Sept. 21 and run through December 11, 2020. “America’s …