(NABB) — President-elect Joe Biden has appointed Tom Vilsack as the Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack, a former governor of Iowa, served as agriculture secretary for eight years in the Obama administration and was a rural and agriculture policy adviser during Biden’s presidential campaign. He was also a contender to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016. Additionally, Congressman David Scott …
NCC Welcomes Vilsack and Tai Nominations
(NCC) — The National Cotton Council of America looks forward to working again with U.S. Agriculture Secretary appointee Tom Vilsack on matters ranging from sustainable, climate smart agriculture to international trade opportunities and the farm safety net. NCC Chairman Kent Fountain, a Georgia cotton producer and ginner, said, “The U.S. cotton industry believes that Tom Vilsack has the credentials necessary …
Vanilla DNA Mystery Uncovered by Latest UF/IFAS Research in S. Florida
(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida scientists have developed a tool to unlock the genetic traits that pinpoint the vanilla variety that produces an abundance of beans, grows efficiently and sustainably, with consumer-approved taste. As part of their breeding program, scientists with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) believe their work is an essential tool that will be …
Appointments to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board Announced
(CBB) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 28 members to serve on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB). All appointed members will serve three-year terms beginning February 2021 and ending February 2024, with the exception of one Importer Unit appointee who will serve a one-year term. Newly appointed members are: • Caleb Plyler, Hope, …
Ethanol Industry Needs Support, as COVID-19 Losses Near $4 Billion
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, state and local governments are taking additional actions to limit travel and promote social distancing. In turn, consumption of ethanol-blended gasoline is rapidly falling again, threatening to derail an already tenuous economic recovery in the ethanol industry. Through November, U.S. ethanol producers had already lost $3.8 billion since the start of the pandemic, according …
NPPC Supports Tai Nomination as U.S. Trade Representative
(NPPC) — President-Elect Joe Biden on Thursday nominated Katherine Tai to be the U.S. Trade Representative. Since 2017, she has been the chief trade counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee and previously served in the Office of the United States Trade Representative as chief counsel for China Trade Enforcement. The following statement may be attributed to National Pork …
AFBF Welcomes Nomination of Katherine Tai for U.S. Trade Representative
(AFBF) — President-elect Joe Biden is expected to nominate Katherine Tai to be U.S. Trade Representative. The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “We’re pleased President-elect Biden will reportedly nominate Katherine Tai to be the next U.S. Trade Representative. America’s farmers and ranchers rely on a fair marketplace to compete globally and it’s …
Blueberries and Bees, UF Scientists Play Matchmaker
(UF/IFAS) — Chew on this the next time you eat a blueberry: Every single blueberry is the result of a flower that was pollinated by a bee. In other words: no buzz, no berry. With that in mind, it’s no wonder blueberry growers bring in hives of honey bees or bumble bees when their blueberry bushes are in flower. “We …
RFA Thanks President-Elect Biden, Congratulates Vilsack on USDA Nomination
(RFA) — President-elect Joe Biden nominated Tom Vilsack to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The following is a statement from Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Tom Vilsack is an excellent choice to serve in this role. During his last term as secretary, he has shown clearly and continually that he can work effectively with …
Pondering adding passion fruit to your edible home landscape? UF/IFAS offers tips
(UF/IFAS) — Got a passion for fruit? Perhaps you have been pondering the mystery of the passion fruit tree? If it is on your must-try list to add to your edible home landscape, then you are in luck. Extension agents and faculty at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have just released Passion Fruit Problems in …