(EPA) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $25,000 to both the University of Central Florida in Orlando and Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton as part of a total of $792,036 in funding for 32 student teams through its People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) grant program. Each team will receive funding to develop and demonstrate projects that …
Grants Awarded to Student Teams in Alabama for Innovative Technology Projects
(EPA) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded approximately $50,000 to the University of Alabama and $25,000 to the University of Alabama in Huntsville as part of a total of $792,036 in funding for 32 student teams through its People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) grant program. Each team will receive funding to develop and demonstrate projects that help …
USDA Seeks Public Input on Guidance Defining Nonindustrial Private Forest Land Eligibility
(USDA/NRCS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking public input on Nonindustrial Private Forest Land (NIPF) related to technical and financial assistance available through conservation programs of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “We want to ensure we continue program consistency across USDA agencies with how we are defining nonindustrial private forest lands,” said Juan Hernandez, NRCS State Conservationist in …
Apalachicola Oyster Harvesting Halted
(NSF) — State wildlife officials said Wednesday they hope a full five years won’t be needed to restore conditions in Apalachicola Bay as they suspended wild-oyster harvesting in the bay. Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the suspension as part of a $20 million restoration effort. The decision came despite pleas from officials in Panhandle communities …
Secretary Perdue Applauds USDA’s 2020 Accomplishments
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the accomplishments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the past year. “While this was a tough year with the coronavirus, historic wildfires, and weather damage, USDA met these challenges with a multitude of programs and services to support Americans and keep our agricultural sector running and responsive to the …
UF Scientists Help Thwart Disease that can Ravage the Popular Gerbera Daisies
(UF/IFAS) — Gerbera daisies are popular worldwide for their wide array of brightly colored flowers. They also make great plants for the garden, and their blooms yield long-lasting cut flowers. Many newlyweds use cut gerbera flowers to decorate their wedding ceremonies. Gerbera daisies also are increasingly used as garden, bedding, patio and indoor plants. Cut flower gerberas in the United States …
Farmer Certification Program Creates Healthier Landscapes for Bees
(USDA) — Bees are a lifeline for farms producing the world’s fruits, vegetables, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods. Bees pollinate billions of dollars’ worth of crops and play an essential role in our food supply. Pollinators are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat and contribute more than $15 billion to our nation’s crop values each …
Applications Open For Hurricane Zeta Assistance Through Ag Foundation
(ALFA) — The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) is accepting applications through Jan. 15 from farmers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Zeta. AFAF and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the Foundation established a Hurricane Relief Fund in response to calls from farmers and businesses who wanted to help their neighbors. It was utilized earlier this year for …
AgDiscovery Summer Student Program Now Accepting Applications
(USDA/APHIS) — AgDiscovery is a national summer outreach program designed to introduce students in grades 7-12 to the exciting world of agricultural sciences. The program is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand view of many fascinating career paths available in the agricultural sciences field, including plant and animal health, wildlife management, biotechnology, environmental science, forestry, entomology, food …
2020 Land Market Ending with Optimism
(NAFB) — The 2020 land market closes with optimism, according to Farmers National Company. The year started with land prices strengthening before COVID-19. The pandemic paused the land market before interest returned in the summer. Now, Randy Dickhut of Farmers National Company says an improved outlook for grain prices and government aid increasing farm income has resurrected interest in farmland. …