(FDACS/Tallahassee, FL/Sept. 15, 2022) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried wrote to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai in support of the September 8th petition filed by members of Florida’s bipartisan delegation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 requesting the administration conduct an investigation into the flood of imported seasonal and perishable agricultural products from Mexico. Commissioner Fried shared with Ambassador Tai a recent report from the Florida Department of Agriculture …
Deadline Nearing for Partners to Apply for WREP Funding in Georgia
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia wants to pass along this reminder. They are investing in fiscal 2023 to help conservation partners protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). NRCS is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities. But, proposals are due by Sept. 23, …
USDA-NRCS in Florida Announces Local Work Group Meetings
Florida’s Local Working Group (LWG) meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2023 has been announced by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts host the LWG meetings, where input and recommendations are discussed to develop solutions using Farm Bill programs. The LWGs provide recommendations to USDA on criteria for conservation activities and programs, and …
WREP Funding Applications for Partners due Sept 23 in Alabama
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind conservation partners in the state that the deadline to apply for fiscal 2023 funding to help protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is September 23, 2022. NRCS is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved …
APHIS Reviews Genetically-Modified Tomato
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reviewed a new tomato variety from Norfolk Plant Sciences. The tomato was modified to alter its color to purple and enhance the nutritional quality. The agency says it found the plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated tomatoes and is not subject to regulation. …
USDA Announces Its Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement with Georgia?
(USDA-AMS/WASHINGTON/Sept. 14, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it has signed a cooperative agreement with Georgia under the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). Through LFPA, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) seeks to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced, and processed food from underserved producers. “USDA is excited to partner with …
GPC, UGA Using Tour to Educate Attendees About Peanuts
By Clint Thompson The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and University of Georgia Peanut Team are educating Georgia Peanut Tour attendees this week about peanut production and why it’s important in helping feed the world. How are peanuts produced? What is aflatoxin? How are they graded following harvest? These are some of the questions Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut …
USDA Announces Climate-Smart Partnership Projects
USDA is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement this week. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to talk about farmers, ranchers, and producers who are on the frontlines of climate change, feeling the impacts on a daily basis,” …
Food Insecurity in Households with Children Reached Two-decade Low
U.S. food insecurity in households with children is down once again. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) reported that food insecurity in U.S. households with children reached a two-decade low in 2021. The Economic Research Service monitors the prevalence of food insecurity in U.S. households with children by measuring food insecurity for the …
Coley, Meeks Reappointed to GCC Board
By Clint Thompson Georgia Cotton Commission (GCC) vice chairman Matt Coley and director Steven Meeks were recently reappointed to serve three-year terms on the GCC’s board of directors. The Commodity Commission Ex-Officio Committee met in late July to make appointments to the commission’s board of directors. Taylor Sills, executive director of the GCC, discussed these appointments and encouraged those interested …