ADAI Announces Cost-Share Program for Specialty Crop Producers

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is pleased to announce a cost-share program for specialty crop growers to alleviate the cost associated with GAP/GHP certification. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) audits are voluntary inspections that evaluate how fruits and vegetables are produced, packed, handled, and stored. The goal is to ensure that food is …

Forestry Title a Farm Bill Sticking Point

Dan Farm Bill, Forestry, Industry News Release, Legislative

As agriculture eagerly awaits a farm bill, another hurdle has emerged. Now, a forestry dispute appears to be in the way, according to Politico. Pat Roberts, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, continues to insist that the conference committee negotiators are “close” to reaching an agreement. He says finding an agreement on the forestry title is the biggest obstacle. That’s …

Tariffs Headed for WTO Dispute Hearings

Dan Industry News Release, Trade

Both the United States and opponents of tariffs put in place by President Donald Trump confirmed they want to take their disputes to the World Trade Organization. Those confirmations kickstarted the procedure for the WTO to set up dispute hearings. China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Russia, and Norway all confirmed that they will take their disputes to adjudication proceedings. …

Florida Eyes Deepwater Horizon Money for Land Deal

Dan Environment, Florida, Forestry, Industry News Release

Florida officials are looking at using money from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to help shield timber land in Dixie County from future development. Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet next week will decide whether to spend $6.4 million to purchase what is known as a “conservation easement” on nearly 20,000 acres of timber land near the Suwannee River …

Georgia Grown Products Selected as Good Food Awards Finalists

Dan Georgia, Industry News Release

Eight Georgia Grown products have been named in a competitive pool of finalists for the 2019 Good Food Awards. With over 2,000 entries, The Good Food Foundation announced 401 industry-leading food and drink finalists from across 40 states, including eight from Georgia. “I believe Georgia Grown companies produce the most flavorful, accessible and highly-regarded food and drink products in the …

Feds Taking Steps to Address Rural Veterinary Shortages

Dan Cattle, Industry News Release, Livestock

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is taking steps to address veterinary shortages in rural America. The agency says 74 food animal and public health veterinarians will get educational loan assistance in exchange for a three-year commitment to practice in a USDA-designated veterinary shortage area. The awards were handed out as part of the Veterinary …

Florida-Grown Romaine Cleared as FDA Continues E. coli Outbreak Investigation

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Vegetables

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have cleared Florida-grown romaine lettuce. Their ongoing investigation into the multi-state E. coli outbreak has determined that the implicated romaine comes from areas of California. On Nov. 20, the CDC advised the public not to eat any romaine …