(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, …
APHIS Leadership Signs Poultry Regionalization Agreement with China
(USDA/APHIS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a regionalization agreement with China for safe trade of poultry products. The countries agree to follow all international standards, guidelines and recommendations related to regionalization. This agreement will help our farmers and ranchers by maintaining export markets, which will reduce the overall impact …
USDA Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only
(USDA/NRCS) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. USDA Service Centers will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will …
Student Leaders Come Together Virtually
(National FFA) — Today and tomorrow (March 23/24), students from across the country will come together online, to learn best practices on sharing the importance of agriculture. It’s part of National Ag Day – a day that not only celebrates agriculture but provides an opportunity for those in the industry to share the importance of agriculture with a broader audience. …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Rules During COVID-19
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried issued the following emergency orders and rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this pandemic, we are taking every step necessary to protect Floridians,” said Commissioner Fried. “This includes waiving fees for businesses and license applicants, extending the expiration on concealed weapons and security guard licenses by 30 days, providing training flexibility for workers, and helping …
Alabama Extension Teams Working for You
(ACES) — Coronavirus or no coronavirus, Alabama Extension is always in the business of serving people. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Extension teams are adapting their delivery methods to continue providing educational information to the residents of Alabama. “This outbreak is not keeping our program teams from helping the public,” said Mike Phillips, an assistant director of Alabama Extension. “Our teams, …