U.S. Pork Can’t Afford Loss of Mexican Market

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) asked the Trump administration to carefully consider the fallout from cutting off trade between the United States and Mexico. U.S. pork producers and other American farmers are already facing mounting financial losses from retaliatory tariffs by Mexico and China. The following statement may be attributed to David Herring, president of the National Pork Producers …

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Dr. Thomas K. Frazer as Chief Science Officer

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Dr. Thomas K. Frazer as the State of Florida’s first Chief Science Officer. Joining Governor DeSantis at the announcement were Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Noah Valenstein and leadership of Florida’s environmental organizations. On January 10, Governor DeSantis announced major water policy reforms for the state of Florida by signing Executive Order 19-12 (Achieving …

Packinghouse Course Coming to Tifton

An event that has been held in Florida for many years will take place in Tifton, Georgia April 18-19. The International Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Alliance accredited course is a major workshop that will help packinghouse operators meet the requirements of Primus GFS Facility Audit. One of the workshop organizers, Kristin Woods with Alabama Extension and the Produce …

Wakulla County, Florida, Designated as a Primary Natural Disaster Area

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Wakulla County, Florida, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael that occurred on Oct. 10, 2018, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans. This natural disaster area designation allows FSA to …

Georgia Peanut Commission Increases Funding for Research Projects in 2019

Board approves $653,901 in research projects The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $653,901 in research project funding for the 2019-20 research budget year. This action was taken during the commission’s March board meeting. The research projects approved include 35 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. …

Trump Wants Quick Action on USMCA

President Donald Trump wants lawmakers to move quickly to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA, Trump’s replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement, is currently being navigated through procedural hurdles before the administration can present the final proposed agreement to Congress. Lawmakers must consider the agreement on a simple yes or no vote, with no amendments, with Trade …

Inaugural Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Exhibition

The Inaugural Florida Industrial Hemp Conference & Exhibition (FIHCE 2019) will be held November 3-5, 2019, at the Rosen Centre Hotel located in Orlando, Florida, USA. FIHCE 2019 is a networking and educational event designed to foster the development of an industrial hemp industry in Florida. Tentative conference topics include: • Hemp Market Forecast • Federal and State Regulations and …

Georgia Cotton Commission Approves 2020 Research

At its March 27th Board Meeting, the Georgia Cotton Commission Board of Directors approved $656,287 in research for the 2020 crop year and also approved $25,500 in supplemental research for 2019.  This money will go to fund eighteen projects that will be conducted by researchers and extension specialists from the University of Georgia and the University of West Georgia.  Projects …