The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced 19 grants totaling $4,790,100 to support agricultural science programs at non-land-grant universities. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
USDA Invests $103 Million to Protect Lives, Property After Natural Disasters
Acting Deputy Agriculture Secretary Michael Young today announced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $103 million in fiscal year 2017 for disaster recovery efforts to help state, local and tribal units of government protect lives and property in disaster-affected areas following natural disasters.
UF/IFAS Researchers Find Potential Bugs to Eat Invasive Cogongrass
by: Brad Buck, University of Florida/IFAS A few bugs may be able to chew up some cogongrass, a noxious weed that elbows out pasture grass, golf course greens and valuable ecosystems, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher says. A worldwide research team led by UF/IFAS entomology professor James Cuda and retired entomology professor Bill …
Grocery Industry Seeking to Reduce Consumer Confusion on Product Date Labels
In a new industry-wide effort to reduce consumer confusion about product date labels, grocery manufacturers and retailers have joined together to adopt standard wording on packaging about the quality and safety of products.
Georgia Axes New Poultry Price Index
The Georgia Department of Agriculture said Tuesday the Georgia Premium Poultry Price Index will not be published due to a lack of available data.
U.S. Corn a Better Deal for Mexico than Corn from Brazil, Argentina
The CEO of global agribusiness company Bunge Limited says U.S. corn is a better deal for Mexico than corn from Argentina or Brazil.
National Pork Board Increases International Markets Funding
At year-end 2016, U.S. pork exports showed impressive progress following a challenging 2015. In 2016, 5.1 billion pounds of pork and pork variety meats valued at $5.94 billion dollars were exported, up 8 percent and 7 percent respectively from 2015, according to the USDA.
Rural Mainstreet Index Improving
Rural Mainstreet Climbs to Highest Level Since September 2015: But Only 15 Percent Report Expanding Economy February Survey Results at a Glance: * The overall index, while remaining below growth neutral, rose to its highest level since September 2015. * More than one-third of bank CEOs reported their local economy remains in an economic downturn. Only 14.9 percent of bankers indicated their local …
AFBF Joins Groups in Support of Farm Bill Funding
Reduced spending under the 2014 farm bill contributed greatly to the nation’s deficit reduction effort. However, additional cuts to the 2018 farm bill would present perils on many fronts, a diverse coalition today told congressional appropriations and budget leaders.
USDA Seeks Nominees for the National Watermelon Promotion Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations to fill 13 seats on the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The board is seeking nominees for two producer member seats and two handler member seats in District One. It is also seeking nominees for one public member seat and eight importer member seats. Selected representatives will serve three-year terms.