The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced the availability of up to $4 million for research to help federal regulatory agencies make science-based evaluations about the environmental effects of genetically engineered (GE) organisms including plants, animals, insects and microorganisms. This funding is made available through NIFA’s Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research Grants (BRAG) Program.
National 4-H Council, American Farm Bureau Federation Establish Partnership
Promote Agriculture Education and Connect Young People to Careers of Tomorrow Leaders of National 4-H Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation announced a newly established partnership during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two groups. Recognizing the need to support agricultural education and highlight the impact ag plays in our daily lives, National 4-H Council and …
Stronger Standards for Applying the Riskiest Pesticides
Improved training and minimum age requirements will help protect people and the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing standards for applicators who apply restricted-use pesticides that are not available for purchase by the general public, and require special handling. “We are committed to keeping our communities safe, protecting our environment and protecting workers and their families,” said …
NRCS Helps Ag Producers Build Quail Habitat
Helping Reestablish Quail on Florida Agricultural Lands Producers Restore, Protect Habitat for Northern Bobwhite The distinctive call of quail used to be common in the Florida countryside where coveys of northern bobwhite quail thrived. No more. The species has declined 80 percent throughout America since the 1940s.
USDA Designates 3 More Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Baldwin, Conecuh and Escambia counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in Butler, Clarke, Covington, Mobile and Monroe counties in Alabama also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous. Farmers …
Eufaula Couple Named 2017 Alabama NRCS Small Farmers of the Year
This week, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama announced that Russell and Jewel Bean of Eufaula, Alabama have been named the Alabama NRCS 2017 Small Farmers of the Year. Download Audio
Florida Part of Two-Year Strategy to Help Gopher Tortoise
As a part of an ongoing effort to help the gopher tortoise rebound, USDA recently released a new two-year implementation strategy to help restore, enhance and protect longleaf pine forests not only in Florida, but across the Southeast. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is working with private landowners to conserve these historically important forests. Download Audio
Alabama’s Largest Farm Organization Elects Officers, Directors
From the Alabama Farmers Federation: Jimmy Parnell of Stanton in Chilton County was re-elected to a third two-year term as president of Alabama’s largest farm organization during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 95th annual meeting in Montgomery this week. Five hundred delegates from all 67 counties voted in the business session.
Florida Preserves More Than 2,300 Acres of 160-Year-Old Ranch in Putnam County
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–The Governor and Cabinet today unanimously approved the preservation of 2,306 acres of environmentally sensitive agricultural land on the Clay Ranch in Putnam County, while allowing the land and agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection …
Governor, Cabinet Celebrate Holiday Season with “Fresh From Florida” Christmas Trees
From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Continuing a long-standing tradition of kicking-off the holiday season in the Florida Capitol, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam presented Florida-grown Carolina Sapphire Christmas trees to Governor Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today. Floridians harvest approximately 16,000 Florida-grown Christmas trees from the …