Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Chairman Paul R. Orsenigo announced today that Mike Joyner has been named as the organization’s new president effective Oct. 15. Joyner’s experience in agricultural and environmental issues runs deep. Most recently, he served as assistant commissioner of agriculture and chief of staff for Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, helping to lead the state Department of Agriculture …
USDA Outlines Next Steps for Advancing Animal Disease Traceability
Greg Ibach, Under Secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs, announced USDA’s four overarching goals for advancing animal disease traceability to protect the long-term health, marketability and economic viability of the U.S. livestock industry. “The landscape surrounding animal disease traceability has changed dramatically in the past decade, and producers across the nation recognize that a comprehensive …
On-time Farm Bill Hopes Dim
Hopes of an on-time farm bill are diminishing as lawmakers now have less than a week to finish a bill, get it passed by both chambers again, and on the President’s desk for signature. The current farm bill expires September 30th, and the conference committee still must agree on changes in the conservation programs of the farm bill and the …
U.S., Canada Talks on NAFTA Offer Little Progress
Stalled talks between the U.S. and Canada regarding the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are expected to continue this week, as the U.S. desires to reach a deal by September 30th. Informal talks are likely over the next few days, according to Reuters, as global attention turns towards a U.N. meeting this week. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says …
Lower Pork Prices Helping Demand
Pork production is accelerating, prices are lower, and demand is improving. New Data from the Department of Agriculture shows that lower pork prices this year have encouraged domestic and foreign consumers to buy more U.S. pork. Meat industry publication Meatingplace reports 2018 total cold stocks of pork have remained at or below three and five-year averages so far, and large …
EPA RFS Waiver Website Doesn’t Include Justification
A new website by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t satisfy all sides of the hardship waiver issue under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The National Corn Growers Association called the website a “good place to start,” but says there is “a lot of questions left unanswered.” The effectiveness of a website depends not only on its content but also …
Perdue Comments on Signing of New KORUS Trade Agreement
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today issued the following statement regarding the signing of the new United States-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS): “We are entering into a new KORUS agreement that is a better deal for the entire United States economy, including the agricultural sector. This represents an important improvement in trade relations between our two nations, …
NCGA Calls on Congress to Pass Farm Bill Before Heading Home
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), called on leaders of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees to put partisan differences aside and find common ground on a farm bill that can be signed into law before the current bill expires September 30. In a letter to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and …
UF Industrial Hemp Program Promotes Industrial Partnerships to Grow
The University of Florida’s pilot research program to explore the potential to grow industrial hemp across the state is advancing, with the engagement of an inaugural private partner. The initiative was supported and encouraged by the state but was not appropriated any funding. To move forward, the project needs sponsorships from private industry. Green Roads Inc. has invested $1.3 million …
2018 Sunbelt Ag Expo Special Events
If you are looking for the latest, most cutting edge agricultural technology, the Sunbelt Ag Expo is the place for you. We welcome our faithful visitors and exhibitors to the 41st annual edition of North America’s Premier Farm Show®, the Sunbelt Ag Expo! 2018 Show Guide Special Events Tuesday, October 16 8:30 Media Breakfast, RW Griffin Exclusive breakfast for media to capture VIPs …