Pre-proposals for innovative partner-driven projects due April 21 In January 2017, USDA invited potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Through this fourth RCPP Announcement for Program Funding (APF), USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will award up to $252 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water …
Gaskalla Joins National Agriculture in the Classroom
Lisa Gaskalla, executive director of Florida Agriculture in the Classroom for 13 years, has been named executive director of the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO). Gaskalla served as interim executive director of NAITCO while the organization conducted a national search to fill the position in 2016. Before that, she served as president of the organization in 2014-15, and …
Wildfire Season
From: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam I recently toured damage caused by a wildfire in Polk County that burned 5,500 acres and destroyed more than 10 homes. I was reminded that we can’t underestimate the danger that wildfires pose, and we can’t be more grateful to our heroes who run toward danger to protect us. Last week, the Florida Forest Service responded to …
Florida, Georgia to Split Tab for Special Master
From: The News Service of Florida Florida got hit Tuesday with the latest bill in its “water war” legal battle with Georgia. The U.S. Supreme Court ordered that the two states split a $213,547 tab for the work of court-appointed Special Master Ralph Lancaster from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.
Day Without Immigrants Protests Slowed some Meatpacking Operations
Last week’s Day Without Immigrants protests caused some slowdowns at meatpacking operations in the United States, but Tyson Foods and Cargill said all plants were operational last Thursday.
Farmers File Class Action Suit over Dicamba Drift
Farmers have filed a class action lawsuit against Monsanto over dicamba herbicide drift issues. The lawsuit focuses on the off-label use of dicamba that led to drift damage in ten states last year. DTN says the new case, a class action suit filed in the U.S. District Court in Missouri, has two farmers from Missouri as lead plaintiffs. The lawsuit …
Mexico Looking at Argentina, Brazil, for Yellow Corn
Mexico is turning its attention to South America, given uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Mexico’s agriculture minister last week announced he would lead a business delegation to Argentina and Brazil to explore buying yellow corn from the two nations.
House Proposal Seeks Online Registry for Animal Abusers
From: The News Service of Florida Names and mug shots of individuals convicted of animal abuse would have their names published online by the state, under a proposal filed Friday in the Florida House.
Scott Pruitt Confirmed and Sworn in as EPA Administrator
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt was confirmed and sworn in as the 14th administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Administrator Pruitt was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito at 5:40pm this evening (Friday, February 17, 2017) and subsequently resigned as Attorney General of Oklahoma. Administrator Pruitt believes promoting and protecting a strong and healthy environment is …
Pruitt Confirmation Welcomed News for Alabama Farmers
U.S. Senate confirmation of Scott Pruitt as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is welcomed news for Alabama farmers concerned about regulatory overreach. Alabama Farmers Federation National Legislative Programs Director Mitt Walker said Pruitt has a proven record of upholding the law and pushing back when federal agencies go beyond Congressional intent. “There is real excitement in the agricultural …