The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative wrapped up public comment hearings this week on the upcoming North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Ag groups representing American farmers and ranchers had a chance to weigh in on what they’d like to see in the talks. A group of Senators also weighed in on what they’d like to see emphasized in …
Georgia Cotton Commission Approves Budget, Davis Elected Chairman
At its June 28th meeting, the Georgia Cotton Commission approved its budget for the fiscal year 2018 (FY18) that starts July 1st. Along with supporting cotton industry organizations such as the National Cotton Council and Southern Cotton Growers, the FY18 budget includes $645,000 for cotton research. These research projects cover all aspects of cotton production including cotton breeding, variety testing, …
Research on Pests and Beneficial Species Funding from USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced 21 grants totaling $7.6 million for research to help manage pests and beneficial species that affect agricultural crops. The funding is made possible through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program, authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. “There continues to be a critical need to …
NRCS Alabama Announces Drought Funding
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Alabama has announced the agency is providing funding to assist landowners impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Eligible landowners have until July 28, 2017, to apply. from USDA/NRCS Alabama Eligible Landowners with Grazing Lands Encouraged to Apply USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist for Alabama, Ben Malone, announced that the agency is …
UF/IFAS’ Crane Honored by Horticultural Society
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …
Natural Resource Meeting Explains Farm Bill Programs, Seeks Recommendations
Gainesville, Fla. – In an effort to assist agricultural producers in meeting their land management goals while protecting our natural resources, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will conduct a State Technical Advisory Committee meeting Aug. 17, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Doyle Conner Agriculture Building Auditorium. Located at 1911 SW 34th …
Hampton Creek Pledges to Market Lab-grown Meat by 2019
A leader in the vegan food industry claims lab-grown meat will be on the market by the end of next year. Hampton Creek, the company behind vegan mayonnaise and cookie dough revealed this week it has been secretly developing technology to produce lab-made meat and seafood, or as they call it, “clean meat.” Business Insider reports that if Hampton Creek …
Brazil Cattle Prices Stumble Following Meat Inspection Scandal
Cattle prices in Brazil are posting the biggest losses in a decade to start a year following this springs investigation into a meat inspection scandal. Bloomberg News reports that since the scandal, JBS SA, Brazil’s largest cattle buyer, is purchasing fewer cattle due to a financial squeeze on the company. Even worse, JBS no longer offers cash upon delivery of …
USDA Seeking Public Input on GMO Labeling
The Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on GMO labeling. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service posted 30 questions for the public this week regarding labeling food items containing genetically modified ingredients. The feedback, according to Politico, will help the agency develop a proposed rule governing how food manufacturers disclose when products contain genetically engineered ingredients. Questions include: What terms …
House Ag Budget Not Aligned with Trump Proposal
The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee budget discussed Wednesday does not align with the budget proposal for agriculture by President Donald Trump. The bill totals $20 billion in discretionary funding, which is $876 million lower than the fiscal year 2017 enacted level and $4.64 billion above the president’s budget request, according to the Hagstrom Report. The bill allows for a total …