(Agri Pulse) — Farmers and ranchers’ support for President Donald Trump has grown despite sluggish exports and their own worries about their financial condition as the economic slowdown triggered by the COVID-19 has developed, according to the latest Agri-Pulse poll of U.S. farmers and ranchers. Some 72% of producers nationwide who were surveyed from Feb. 19 through March 13 said they were …
United Fresh Urges Congress to Take Immediate Action
(NAFB) — Produce suppliers are looking for federal assistance, as many industry sectors seek relief from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The United Fresh Produce Association, representing the fresh produce supply chain, has requested urgent action by Congress to mitigate the challenges facing the sectors that have been impacted most severely. The immediate impact felt by the fresh produce …
U.S. Seed Companies Remain Committed to Meeting Farmer, Consumer Demand
(ASTA) — The following is a statement from American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) President & CEO Andrew LaVigne: “The U.S. seed industry stands with the entire agriculture and food value chain in its commitment to ensuring America’s families have ongoing access to a healthy, safe and affordable food supply as we continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. “The …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Asks Congress to Prioritize Agriculture, Nutrition, Broadband During COVID-19
(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting additional federal flexibility for industries and programs critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter, sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, asked that additional Congressional action on the pandemic include: Making federal SBA disaster loans available …
COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs
(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …
Agriculture Groups Call on Lawmakers to Support Farmers During COVID-19 Pandemic
(AFBF) – Forty-eight agriculture groups are calling on Congress to expand USDA’s borrowing authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation. Congress must act to ensure the CCC has the authority and funding to assist farmers and ranchers facing serious cash flow challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. The letter, addressed to both Senate and House leaders reads, “Farmers, ranchers and the supply chain …
Continued Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced continued progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions of the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement. The Agreement entered into force on February 14, 2020, and the recent actions described below build upon the actions announced by USDA and USTR on February …
Secretary Perdue’s Statement on National Ag Day
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding National Agriculture Day and President Donald J. Trump’s Proclamation recognizing the importance of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers: “Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world. Now more than ever it’s important that the American people not forget that. Our …
Sweet Grown Alabama Encourages Consumers To Patronize Local Farms
(AFF) — Alabama farmers who sell directly to consumers, schools and restaurants are finding innovative ways to move products while following social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Numerous Sweet Grown Alabama member farmers are utilizing social media and websites so consumers can place online orders. Farmers have also added delivery service and drive-thru pick-up …
Perdue: USDA Actively Monitoring Commodity Markets
(NAFB) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the Department of Agriculture is “actively monitoring all commodity markets and the flow of food.” The comments on Twitter come as a reply to industry requests last week that USDA protects commodity markets from manipulation. Perdue says, “We are paying special attention to the difference in prices from the farm gate to the …