Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that the preliminary agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Irma in Florida total more than $2.5 billion. In an initial report released today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimated losses for each segment of agriculture. The preliminary economic assessments account for current crop losses and ancillary losses, such as debris …
As Lake Okeechobee Levels Rise, So Do Community Concerns
It’s only been a few weeks since Hurricane Irma battered our farms and farming communities. EAA farmers have been working overtime to make sure our farms and farming communities south of Lake Okeechobee have the resources they need to get back on their feet. We’ve delivered more than 10,000 meals to local residents in need and our farms have donated thousands …
USDA Invests in 48 Projects in Local Watersheds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to invest in 48 new, multi-year projects that aim to build vital infrastructure while conserving natural resources in 20 states or territories through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with local groups to help prevent floods, protect watersheds, improve agricultural water management and enhance wildlife habitat through …
USDA Issues Farm Safety Net and Conservation Payments
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that over $9.6 billion in payments will be made, beginning this week, to producers through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Conservation Reserve (CRP) programs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing approximately $8 billion in payments under the ARC and PLC programs for the 2016 crop year, and …
Secretary Perdue Statement on Confirmation of Censky & McKinney
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue praised the Senate’s confirmation of two key nominees for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Senate confirmed Steve Censky, nominated by President Donald J. Trump as Deputy Secretary, and Ted McKinney, selected by the president to be Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. Perdue issued the following statement: “I commend the …
USDA-NIFA to Invest in Specialty Crop Research
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the Fiscal Year 2018 funding for research and extension activities to enhance productivity, safety, and innovation in the specialty crop industry. Funding is made through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “To be competitive in a global market, U.S. specialty crop …
Signup Now for Alabama NRCS Programs
October 20 is the signup batching date to receive 2018 funding for four the conservation programs through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama. That includes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term …
Federal Program Providing Help after Irma
If your area suffers damage from a natural disaster, like Hurricane Irma, then USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida can help. Through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP), aid may include financial and technical assistance for various projects. Here is State Conservation Engineer Jason Strenth. Sponsored ContentFCEB Recurring Funding Provides Opportunity for Longer Term Research ProjectsOctober 10, 2025Florida …
Censky, McKinney Confirmations Good News for U.S. Agriculture
The National Pork Producers Council congratulated Stephen Censky and Ted McKinney on their confirmations for key leadership positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The U.S. Senate confirmed Censky and McKinney as the USDA’s deputy secretary and undersecretary of trade and foreign agricultural affairs, respectively. “The confirmations of Stephen Censky and Ted McKinney come at a critical time for U.S. …
USPOULTRY Foundation Approves Funding for More Avian Influenza Research
The USPOULTRY Foundation last week approved $125,000 in additional emergency funding to support avian influenza research and communication. The research is a follow-up study on a previously funded project in which researchers provided insight on using ventilation shut down as a humane depopulation method. The study showed that the addition of heat and CO2 to the procedure provided a rapid …