The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently completed and published updates to its set of National Conservation Practice Standards, which include 58 standards that have been updated or revised since August. According to Acting NRCS Chief, Kevin Norton, those standards cover a wide range of practices including irrigation water management. He notes that USDA’s conservation efforts include a …
Renewable Fuels Association on Gas-Generated Electricity
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has long been a prominent advocate for the use of renewable energy sources to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future. In recent years, the association has turned its attention to gas-generated electricity provided by different companies similar to Michigan Quality Electric, examining its role in the transition to a cleaner energy landscape. This …
Coalition Releases Farmers’ Guide to the CSP
(NAFB) — As farmers begin to sign up for the Conservation Stewardship Program across the country, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition released its updated “Farmers’ Guide to the CSP.” As interest grows in farming practices that protect natural resources and reduce the impact of climate change, it’s a good time for producers to explore the CSP. The coalition says this …
Chilled and Ground Seasoned Pork Major Drivers for U.S. Pork in Japan
During the recent U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Strategic Planning Conference, USMEF Vice President of Marketing, Jesse Austin, updated pork producers and exporters on two product categories that are critical to U.S. pork’s success in Japan – chilled pork and ground seasoned pork. Joe Schuele has more details. Japan has traditionally been the leading value market for U.S. pork, with …
Opportunities for Health Food Exports in Japan
(USDA/FAS) — Japanese consumers have become more health conscious, demanding food products that contain natural ingredients, minimize food additives and sweeteners, and support health, dietary, and functional needs. As the main suppliers of agricultural goods to Japan, U.S. producers and exporters have ample opportunities to fulfill Japan’s growing demand for food ingredients and healthy food products. Recently, the United States …
University of Florida Citrus Faculty Highly Sought After as Research Partners in Fight Against Greening
(UF/IFAS) — University of Florida citrus researchers continue to be sought out as partners in ground-breaking research projects to fight Huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), recently awarded nearly $4.5 million in grants to UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences faculty to find novel ways to fight the disease. But UF/IFAS researchers are serving leadership roles in four other multi-million-dollar grants awarded to colleague …
Fungus Commits Floral Fraud to Fool Insects into Spreading It
(USDA/ARS) — The spores of some fungi can linger in the environment for months or years just waiting for something to spread them elsewhere, like a gust of wind, falling rain or a passing insect or animal. Not so with Fusarium xyrophilum, a fungus found growing on two types of yellow-eyed grass in the savannas of Guyana, South America, and reported …
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Partner with Sweet Grown Alabama
Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, is pleased to welcome the Poarch Band of Creek Indians as a founding member of the non-profit organization. “I am excited to announce our support of Sweet Grown Alabama,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO. “We are always looking for ways to support Alabama’s economy and this important initiative will …
UF/IFAS Researchers Help Wineries Capitalize on Carbonation Craving
Oenophiles rejoice! University of Florida researchers are helping wineries make their product bubbly to meet taste trends and expand their business. Andrew MacIntosh, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of food science and human nutrition, is working with Florida wineries to teach and encourage more of them to produce carbonated wine. About one in 10 Florida wineries currently carbonate, and they use the …
USDA Launches AskUSDA, Improves and Streamlines Customer Experience
(USDA/RD) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the official launch of the AskUSDA Contact Center program. The AskUSDA Contact Center will serve as the “one front door” for phone, chat, and web inquires, transforming how the public interacts with USDA and providing an enhanced experience for the public. Prior to the creation and implementation of AskUSDA, members of …