Reclamation and restoration plantings are usually developed with the goal of establishing a stable plant community. To determine what species may perform well in an area, land managers can refer to nearby reference sites or an Ecological Site Description. However, many restoration sites may not have the capability to support the species present in an undisturbed reference area. Plant species return to …
USTR Calls for Investigation of Imported Squash and Cucumbers
Action Follows Recent Blueberry, Strawberry and Bell Pepper USTR Initiatives (GFVGA) — Friday, December 4, 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting investigations into the import of cucumbers and squash and the effect on the domestic seasonal markets. The request is to investigate the monthly price trends, including an analysis and …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on U.S. House Passage of MORE Act
(FDACS) — The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, by a vote of 228-164. This comprehensive, bipartisan cannabis reform package would decriminalize marijuana and take much-needed steps to address the racial injustices of prohibition. As of November 2020, a record-high 68 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a noted cannabis advocate, offered the …
NPB Offers Tuition Grant for Peanut Farmers to Attend Farm Management Program
The virtual bootcamp presented by NC State University sets farmers up for success (NPB) — Times are challenging on the farm these days. Farmers run and finance large and diverse businesses, manage capital, handle labor issues and navigate regulations. An operator is constantly busy working in their business. The Executive Farm Management Program (EFMP) is designed to help farmers work …
NCC Congratulates Georgia Congressman David Scott on Being Elected Chairman of House Agriculture Committee
(NCC) — Congressman David Scott (D-GA) was chosen as the next chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress, overwhelmingly elected by the full House Democratic caucus. “On behalf of the chicken industry, I want to congratulate Congressman Scott on being named the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, a historic achievement as the first African American and …
USDA Extends Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a one-month extension to the signup period for the Seafood Trade Relief Program, which supports the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. Fishermen can now signup for the program through January 15, 2021. To date, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has paid more than $140 …
Registration Open for American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention
Featuring Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford (AFBF) — The American Farm Bureau Federation opened registration for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention and unveiled the lineup of featured speakers including Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford. The AFB Virtual Convention will be held Jan. 10-13, 2021, and for the first time ever, registration fees are being waived to …
What’s in Store for 2021? UF/IFAS Experts Predict Food and Garden Trends
(UF/IFAS) — No one could have predicted the kind of year 2020 has been. But in late 2019, when UF/IFAS experts were asked to predict the top food and garden trends for the coming year, they made some startlingly accurate predictions. Today, these trends are no longer forecasts but facts of life in a year characterized by a global pandemic …
U.S. Poultry Industry Provides 2.1 Million Jobs
Economic Impact Up 15 Percent in Two Years Updated study quantifies the economic impact of the poultry industry in the United States NCC — The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY), National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and United Egg Producers have released an updated economic impact study that highlights the positive impact the poultry industry has on jobs, wages, …
New UF/IFAS App to Identify Toxic Plants
(UF/IFAS) — Some livestock, pets and even children occasionally nibble on poisonous plants, presenting a potential pitfall to the animals and youth. Now, a new, free app designed by UF/IFAS researchers and Extension faculty helps you identify toxic plants. Not only is this the first app to identify strictly Florida plants, it’s also the first to distinguish between toxic weeds. …