After a month-long shutdown, the federal government reopens officially for three weeks following an announcement from President Donald Trump. The 800,000 federal workers who have been on furlough will be receiving back pay for the days that offices were closed due to the shutdown. The funding will keep the government running until February 15. “I am very proud to announce …
Dairy Industry Research Shows Consumers Thoughts on Plant-Based Milk Imitators
New consumer research supported by the dairy industry shows Americans widely disapprove of dairy terms being used by fake-milk producers, as well as confusion on the nutritional content of milk versus plant-based imitators. The national survey conducted by a global market research and consulting firm, found only 20 percent of all consumers said plant-based beverages should be labeled milk, as …
USDA Seeking Public Input on Wetland Determination Guidance
Public comment period for wetland conservation compliance rule open through February 5 Farmers are reminded that updated guidelines for wetland determinations are posted and available for public input. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind the public that the 60-day comment period for the updated guidance is open through February 5. This opportunity to comment is not impacted …
Groups Urge Administration To Lift Metals Tariffs
A diverse, ad hoc coalition of more than 45 groups representing many sectors of the U.S. economy joined the National Pork Producers Council in calling for an end to U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican aluminum and steel imports so that America can take advantage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The Trump administration on June 1, 2018, imposed a 25 …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Continues Building New Administration
Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried is announcing another round of hires for the administration, with new additions in her office’s external and legislative affairs departments. Stephanie McClung will serve as External Affairs Director, Shahra Anderson Lambert and Ricardo Alvarez as Regional Directors for Southwest and South Florida respectively, and Matthew Alford and Carlos Nathan as Deputy Legislative Affairs Directors. “We’re building a Department that’s …
Next Steps Eyed in Fight Against Water Woes
Local governments have spent $17.3 million the state provided to combat outbreaks of red tide and toxic blue-green algae, which have caused massive fish kills and fouled waters in coastal areas for more than a year. And as red tide lingers in some Southwest Florida areas, and just $1.7 million of $19 million in state funding remains unspent by the …
Put Florida First and End the Shutdown
As Americans, we have some basic, reasonable expectations. Among them: our food should be safe to eat, our businesses should be able to operate, our workers should be paid for their labor, and our government should function effectively. That shouldn’t be asking too much. Yet as the federal government shutdown extends past the four-week mark, even those basic expectations aren’t …
USDA to Reopen FSA Offices for Additional Services During Government Shutdown
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that all Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices nationwide will soon reopen to provide additional administrative services to farmers and ranchers during the lapse in federal funding. Certain FSA offices have been providing limited services for existing loans and tax documents since Jan. 17, and will continue to do so through Jan. 23. Beginning Jan. 24, …
Younger Generation Bringing New Energy to UF/IFAS Master Gardeners
Program Celebrates 40 Years in Florida Angie Dixon, 38, was working long hours as a project manager, but would spend weekends trolling plant shows and local community gardens. Though she loved everything about plants, she knew nothing about gardening. “I figured gardening would be a cool activity to do with my 5-year-old son,” said Dixon, of Orlando. “So, I bought …
Applications Now Available for Pilot Industrial Hemp Production
The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) is now accepting applications from eligible producers, farmers and universities interested in growing industrial hemp. ADAI is also accepting applications from prospective industrial hemp processors. In 2016, the Alabama Legislature passed the Alabama Industrial Hemp Research Program Act, Section 2-8-380 Code of Alabama 1975, tasking the ADAI with the development of a …