(FDACS) — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting additional federal flexibility for industries and programs critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter, sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, asked that additional Congressional action on the pandemic include: Making federal SBA disaster loans available …
COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs
(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …
Agriculture Groups Call on Lawmakers to Support Farmers During COVID-19 Pandemic
(AFBF) – Forty-eight agriculture groups are calling on Congress to expand USDA’s borrowing authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation. Congress must act to ensure the CCC has the authority and funding to assist farmers and ranchers facing serious cash flow challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. The letter, addressed to both Senate and House leaders reads, “Farmers, ranchers and the supply chain …
Continued Progress on Implementation of U.S.-China Phase One Agreement
(USDA) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced continued progress in the implementation of the agriculture-related provisions of the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement. The Agreement entered into force on February 14, 2020, and the recent actions described below build upon the actions announced by USDA and USTR on February …
Secretary Perdue’s Statement on National Ag Day
(USDA) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding National Agriculture Day and President Donald J. Trump’s Proclamation recognizing the importance of America’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers: “Our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers in America are feeding and clothing the world. Now more than ever it’s important that the American people not forget that. Our …
Sweet Grown Alabama Encourages Consumers To Patronize Local Farms
(AFF) — Alabama farmers who sell directly to consumers, schools and restaurants are finding innovative ways to move products while following social distancing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Numerous Sweet Grown Alabama member farmers are utilizing social media and websites so consumers can place online orders. Farmers have also added delivery service and drive-thru pick-up …
Perdue: USDA Actively Monitoring Commodity Markets
(NAFB) — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the Department of Agriculture is “actively monitoring all commodity markets and the flow of food.” The comments on Twitter come as a reply to industry requests last week that USDA protects commodity markets from manipulation. Perdue says, “We are paying special attention to the difference in prices from the farm gate to the …
USMEF Applauds Expanded Access to China
(NAFB) — A recent move to expand pork and beef access to China will benefit U.S. producers and exporters, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently updated its Export Library for China to reflect expanded access for U.S. beef and pork. The changes were among the provisions negotiated in …
Vidalia® Onions Set to Ship April 16
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Announces Official Pack Date for 2020 (GDA) — For Vidalia® onion fans, spring doesn’t officially start until the iconic vegetable ships to stores around the country. This year, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Vidalia Onion Committee have set April 16, 2020, as the official pack date for America’s favorite sweet onion. “Along with the Vidalia Onion …
Beef Checkoff’s Support for Beef Demand Continues: An Update
As I watch television news reports from my ranch and listen to radio broadcasts in my truck while checking on cattle, I see the impact that COVID-19 is having on our economy, including the stock market and cattle markets. And, as a beef producer, I know firsthand how frustrating this situation is for cattlemen and women across the country. Certainly, …