From USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama: Auburn, Ala, December 15, 2014 – Tim Albritton, State Staff Forester with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Auburn, Alabama, was presented the Jerry L. Johnson Award during the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) Annual Meeting in Orange Beach, Alabama. NRCS State Conservationist Dr. William Puckett said the award was …
USDA Video: USDA Week In Review December 12
A weekly look at some of the events and activities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this edition of USDA Week In Review, snowy and cold or dry and mild? The International Year of Soils and healthcare coverage in rural America.
USDA Provides Greater Protection for Fruit, Vegetable and Other Specialty Crop Growers
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that greater protection is now available from the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses when
USDA Seeks Public Comment on New Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2014 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture is publishing a rule that outlines how it will improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), one of USDA’s largest conservation programs. The interim final rule includes program changes authorized by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA has established a 60-day comment period for …
Poultry Industry Continues to Improve Worker Safety Record
From the National Chicken Council: Washington, D.C. – Dec. 11, 2014 – The incidence of occupational injuries and illnesses within the poultry sector’s slaughter and processing workforce has fallen by 80 percent over the last 20 years and
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Now Accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting applications for $4.5 million in expected federal funding for the Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will be awarded to …
Education Key to Consumer Appreciation of Seed and Seed Improvement
CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) today unveiled results of research commissioned by the seed industry revealing that consumers underappreciate the role of seed and seed improvement in our lives, until they are presented with specific examples of the environmental, economic and health benefits of seed. ASTA briefed members of the media during its …
Growth Energy Statement on the Oversight & Government Reform Committee Hearing Examining the RFS
From Growth Energy: WASHINGTON, DC — In response to today’s Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements hearing on “EPA’s management of the renewable fuel standard program,” Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy issued the following statement: “While the delay from the EPA is frustrating to stakeholders and Congress alike, it is important that the …
Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees Chosen for 2015
From Florida Citrus Mutual: LAKELAND, Fla. (December 5, 2014) – The Selection Committee for The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has announced three distinguished leaders will be inducted into the Hall during the 53rd Citrus Celebration Luncheon on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Nicholas “Nick” D. Faryna (deceased), formerly of Umatilla, Fla., Sherwood J. “Buddy” …
UF/IFAS PIE Center Survey Shows Floridians Have Food Safety Concerns
While Floridians believe they do a fairly good job of keeping themselves safe from food-borne illnesses, they aren’t always clear about which foods, preparation techniques or cooking methods pose the biggest risks. A survey released this week by the University of Florida’s Public Issues in Education Center, shows the state’s residents have many concerns about food safety and genetically modified …