Eliminating the unnecessary regulatory barrier to year-round sales of E15 is among a dozen recommended reforms the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should immediately undertake to alleviate unnecessary regulatory burdens on the U.S. ethanol industry and American consumers, according to comments submitted by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). The comments responded to EPA’s request for input on burdensome, conflicting, or unnecessary …
Caldwell Kicks Off Agriculture Commissioner Campaign
from: The News Service of Florida State Rep. Matt Caldwell on Monday formally launched his 2018 campaign for Florida agriculture commissioner, saying he plans to build a grass-roots campaign across the state. Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, made the announcement at Sun Harvest Citrus in Lee County. He touted his conservative credentials and discussed his family’s deep roots in Florida. He …
“ Pretty ” Termites do the Most Damage
Termites may be “pretty” in the eyes of a scientist, but don’t let good looks fool you: The prettier termites are more destructive than their uglier counterparts, a University of Florida researcher says. Scientists who deem subterranean termites as “pretty” say they sport symmetrical traits and are more likely to come from mature colonies, said Thomas Chouvenc, a research assistant …
Eight Counties in Florida Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
In response to a request from Debbie Folsom, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Florida, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 8 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are: Charlotte Glades Highlands Osceola DeSoto Hardee Okeechobee Polk Farmers and ranchers in the …
Canada Ag Census Shows Increase in Young and Women Farmers
Canada saw increases in young and women farmers in its latest Census of Agriculture. Statistics Canada has released its 2016 Census of Agriculture, which counted 271,000-some farm operators, down from 293,000 during the 2011 Census. While people age 55 and over still make up the fastest-growing segment of farmers in Canada, the latest report shows slightly more producers under age …
Methane Vote Agreement Offers path for E15 Bill
An agreement between Senators regarding a vote to reject the Obama-era methane rule has paved a path forward for year-round E15 sales. The agreement between Senators Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican, means the E15 bill will head to the committee for markup within the next week or …
EPA Send RFS Volume Obligations to OMB
The Environmental Protection Agency has sent Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations to the White House Office of Management and Budget. The White House is expected to complete its review of the proposed rule within the next 90 days for the 2018 RVO’s and the Biomass Based Diesel Volume for 2019, according to DTN-Progressive Farmer. The deadline for the final rule …
Stabenow, Rural Groups, Express Concern over USDA Reorganization
Ranking Senate Agriculture Committee Democrat Debbie Stabenow praised the addition of a trade undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture, but is concerned with the proposed rural development changes. The reorganization proposal for USDA would eliminate the undersecretary for rural development. Stabenow says the role is “an important voice for rural America” adding the proposal would bypass Congress’s role to confirm …
South Carolina Sending Firefighters, Equipment to Help Florida Battle Wildfires
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced that South Carolina is sending firefighters and equipment to help battle Florida wildfires. The support crews are expected to arrive in Central Florida Saturday evening. There more than 135 active wildfires in Florida and more than 2,000 wildfires have burned over 150,000 acres in Florida this year. Current conditions …
Initial Results of the 100-Day Action Plan of the U.S. – China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue
President of the United States Donald Trump and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping agreed at their Mar-a-Lago meeting to advance U.S. – China economic cooperation with a 100-day action plan under the framework of the U.S. – China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue. Under the leadership of the co-chairs, Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary of …