(FDACS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated more than $5.5 million to Florida as part of its effort to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and surveillance, identification, and threat mitigation, and to safeguard the U.S. nursery production system. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has received a significant portion of these funds to support numerous projects. …
Farm Bureau Looks to the Future of Ag at Virtual Convention
(AFBF) — The American Farm Bureau is hosting a full day of virtual programming, focused on the future of agriculture and the most pressing issues for farmers, ranchers and consumers in 2021. The 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention offers a full plate of programming, today, following the official kickoff Sunday with an opening address from AFBF President Zippy Duvall. …
Details of the 2021 Agricultural Outlook Forum Program Announced
(USDA) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces details of the 97th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, which will be held virtually on February 18-19, 2021. The 2021 Forum, themed “Building on Innovation: A Pathway to Resilience,” will focus on the central role science and innovation have played in helping the agricultural sector overcome challenges and build resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. …
Farmers Gain Improved Access to Small Business Support as PPP Reopens
(NMPF) — The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is pleased that farmers who run their operations as sole proprietors, independent contractors, or otherwise self-employed individuals will have newly expanded access as soon as today to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) under changes made in the COVID stimulus package Congress approved last month. Producers who were denied PPP loans or whose …
USDA Extends Crop Insurance Flexibilities Amid Ongoing Pandemic
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, 2021. Organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30, 2021. RMA is also allowing Approved Insurance Providers further flexibilities for production reporting, submitting written agreement requests and …
AFBF Pres. Zippy Duvall 2021 Virtual Convention Opening Speech
(AFBF) — The following are remarks made by AFBF President Zippy Duvall during the Opening General Session of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention: Well, thank you, Scott for that great introduction. And, I want to say thank you for being the vice president of American Farm Bureau, and what a great partner you’ve been for me for the …
Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program Coming Up
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds fisherman of the Jan. 15 deadline to apply for the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP), which provides support for fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. For more information on the program, including guidance on how to apply, visit farmers.gov/seafood or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to …
November Beef Exports Largest in More than a Year
According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, 2020. Beef exports came in at 115,337 metric tons (mt), with a value of $707.5 million. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom explains where the strongest markets were for U.S. beef. November was also …
Various Crops Qualify for Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) this week started signup for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program. Eligible crops include those for which federal crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage is available, except for grazed crops and value loss crops. Tyron Spearman has more details. Quality Loss Adjustment Program Did you suffer crop quality losses due to natural …
Farm & Biofuel Coalition Rejects EPA’s Excuses
(RFA) — A coalition of the nation’s largest biofuels and agricultural trade groups filed its reply in support of its motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The motion, originally filed on November 23, 2020, asks the court to enforce its 2017 decision requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address its improper waiver of 500 …