(NSF) — Hemp is blazing among Florida’s agriculture inventory in the seven months since it was first allowed to be legally grown in the Sunshine State, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried told business leaders Tuesday. Fried said 22,078 acres are currently licensed for hemp, nearly equal to the acreage in Florida of tomatoes, watermelon and snap peas, and double the …
Farm Bureau Stepping Up in Dean Foods Legal Proceedings
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is getting involved in the Dean Foods legal proceedings. The major dairy processor filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in November of 2019. Dairy farmers who had previously sold milk to the company have been sent letters demanding repayment of previous milk checks. In the letters, producers are being threatened with legal action if they …
When is a Weed Not a Weed?
Reclamation and restoration plantings are usually developed with the goal of establishing a stable plant community. To determine what species may perform well in an area, land managers can refer to nearby reference sites or an Ecological Site Description. However, many restoration sites may not have the capability to support the species present in an undisturbed reference area. Plant species return to …
USTR Calls for Investigation of Imported Squash and Cucumbers
Action Follows Recent Blueberry, Strawberry and Bell Pepper USTR Initiatives (GFVGA) — Friday, December 4, 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting investigations into the import of cucumbers and squash and the effect on the domestic seasonal markets. The request is to investigate the monthly price trends, including an analysis and …
Commissioner Nikki Fried on U.S. House Passage of MORE Act
(FDACS) — The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, by a vote of 228-164. This comprehensive, bipartisan cannabis reform package would decriminalize marijuana and take much-needed steps to address the racial injustices of prohibition. As of November 2020, a record-high 68 percent of Americans support marijuana legalization. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, a noted cannabis advocate, offered the …
Price and McAllister Presented 2020 King Cotton Awards
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service agents are an important resource for Georgia cotton farmers. Agents are known for delivering timely and accurate information, which is instrumental for the success of Georgia’s farmers. They also perform community specific research, education and outreach programs designed to help farmers maximize yields and efficiency. The Georgia Cotton Commission sponsored the King Cotton Awards to recognize …
NPB Offers Tuition Grant for Peanut Farmers to Attend Farm Management Program
The virtual bootcamp presented by NC State University sets farmers up for success (NPB) — Times are challenging on the farm these days. Farmers run and finance large and diverse businesses, manage capital, handle labor issues and navigate regulations. An operator is constantly busy working in their business. The Executive Farm Management Program (EFMP) is designed to help farmers work …
NCC Congratulates Georgia Congressman David Scott on Being Elected Chairman of House Agriculture Committee
(NCC) — Congressman David Scott (D-GA) was chosen as the next chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress, overwhelmingly elected by the full House Democratic caucus. “On behalf of the chicken industry, I want to congratulate Congressman Scott on being named the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, a historic achievement as the first African American and …
USDA Extends Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program
(USDA/FSA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a one-month extension to the signup period for the Seafood Trade Relief Program, which supports the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. Fishermen can now signup for the program through January 15, 2021. To date, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has paid more than $140 …
Registration Open for American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention
Featuring Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford (AFBF) — The American Farm Bureau Federation opened registration for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention and unveiled the lineup of featured speakers including Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford. The AFB Virtual Convention will be held Jan. 10-13, 2021, and for the first time ever, registration fees are being waived to …