From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Emanuel, Jenkins and Wayne counties in Georgia as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by excessive rain and moisture that occurred from Aug. 24, 2015, and continues. Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Georgia …
President Vetoes Resolution to Disapprove WOTUS Rule
Last week we told you the U.S. House of Representatives had joined the U.S. Senate by passing a joint resolution to disapprove the Waters of the United States rule under a Congressional Review Act. The resolution, would nullify the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to redefine “Waters of the United States” …
NRCS Alabama Announces $100,000 Available to Continue Addressing Feral Swine Management
From USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama: AUBURN, January 15, 2016 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Ben Malone announced that producers interested in Alabama’s Wild Pig Damage Management Program should apply by February 19, 2016. NRCS Alabama will be offering financial assistance to eligible landowners through 2016’s funding under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). …
Florida Water Policy Ready for Scott’s Signature
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM TURNER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, January 14, 2016………. A statewide water-policy bill that is a top priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli and Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam was overwhelmingly approved Thursday by the Florida House. Gov. Rick Scott’s office said he will sign the measure — along with a separate proposals aimed at …
Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on Passage of House Water Policy Bill
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement today regarding the Florida House of Representative’s passage of a key water policy bill, one day after the Florida Senate’s unanimous passage, that will help protect and manage Florida’s water resources: “After years of hard work, the …
Florida Senate Approves Water Policy Changes
FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA By JIM TURNER THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, January 13, 2016………. A statewide water-policy bill, a priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, was approved Wednesday by the Senate without changes sought by environmental groups. The business-backed measure (SB 552), which has been in the works for more than two years and was rushed through the
Water Policy Bill Passes Senate
Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Statement on Passage of Senate Water Policy Bill From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement today regarding the Florida Senate’s passage of a key water policy bill that will help protect and manage Florida’s water resources: “This session, we have an …
Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on Citrus Crop Forecast
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its citrus crop forecast for the 2015-2016 season: “Today’s USDA citrus crop forecast, even though unchanged, illustrates the dire state of Florida citrus. Without immediate and tangible support, citrus’ …
Florida’s Adam Putnam: We Have a Real Opportunity
From Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Friend, Every year, the Florida Legislature kicks off its annual 60-day legislative session to help govern and fund our great state. This session, we have an opportunity to pass meaningful water policy reform that will help meet the needs of our growing population and thriving economy, while protecting …
First of Four Risk Assessments for Insecticides Potentially Harmful to Bees Released
The Environmental Protection Agency has released the first of four risk assessments for insecticides potentially harmful to bees. EPA’s assessment, prepared in collaboration with California’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, indicates that imidacloprid potentially poses risk to hives when the pesticide comes in contact with certain crops that attract pollinators. Download Audio