USDA Designates Five Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties/Border States Also Available Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated five Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Barbour, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties who suffered losses due to wind, rain, and flooding due to Hurricane Michael, that occurred from Oct. 10 through Oct. 11, 2018, may be eligible for U.S. Department …

Farm Bureau Calls for Final Farm Bill Approval

The following statement regarding the House and Senate Ag Leaders’ announced “agreement in principle” on the 2018 Farm Bill conference report may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “The 2018 farm bill emerging from the conference committee is good news for farmers amid a prolonged downturn in the agricultural economy. Chairmen Roberts and Conaway and Ranking …

Agreement Reached in Principle on 2018 Farm Bill

House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairmen Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Pat Roberts (R- Kan.) and Ranking Members Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) made the following announcement on the state of 2018 Farm Bill negotiations: “We’re pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement in principle on the 2018 Farm Bill. We are working to finalize legal and report …

ADAI Announces Cost-Share Program for Specialty Crop Producers

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

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

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. …

Georgia Grown Products Selected as Good Food Awards Finalists

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 …