The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Senate’s biotech food labeling bill (S764), otherwise known as the GMO labeling bill, by a vote of 306 to 117. The White House has already confirmed that President Obama would sign the compromise labeling bill. Various agriculture groups have issued releases praising this action by the House:
NCC Asks for Revisions, Clarification to Proposed Changes to Organic Program
From the National Chicken Council: Washington, D.C. – July 14, 2016 – The National Chicken Council (NCC) recommends revising or clarifying several key aspects of the proposed rule from the National Organic Program (NOP), announced in April, to enhance bird health, protect food safety, and maintain a viable organic program.
NCBA Submits Comments to Organic Marketing Proposed Rule
From the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: WASHINGTON (July 13, 2016) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association submitted comments on the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service’s National Organic Program; Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices proposed rule. NCBA President Tracy Brunner, said that voluntary agency marketing programs are not
Save Money, Water and Other Resources
UF/IFAS researcher: Taller, thinner crop beds save money, water, other resources From UF/IFAS By: Beverly James Looking out over thousands of acres of tomatoes, Miguel Talavera, director of East Coast growing operations at Pacific Tomato Grower, Ltd., marvels at the narrow lanes of fruit that are thriving in the hot Florida sun. Talavera credits increase in yield and a decrease …
Florida NRCS Offering Assistance to Plant Longleaf Pine
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that they can provide both financial and technical assistance to those interested in planting longleaf pine. The Longleaf Pine Initiative is available to forest owners in select counties. Download Audio To read more of this story click here.
Alabama NRCS Providing Various Programs for Landowners
There are some producers that may be a bit hesitant when it comes to signing up for government programs through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). But Alabama State Conservationist Ben Malone says they are there to help landowners. Download Audio
2016 Caplan Family Business Scholarship
Experience The Power of Fresh With The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program United Fresh members employed at a family business are encouraged to apply for the Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Program, which will provide recipients with registration and travel to the Washington Conference, September 12-14 in Washington, DC. Founded in 2001 by sisters Karen Caplan and Jackie …
Whitefly Spreads in Florida
From the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences By: Brad Buck GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Q-biotype whitefly, a significant pest that could damage agriculture, has spread from Palm Beach to seven other Florida counties, according to a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher. Crops that could eventually be affected include tomatoes, squash, beans, …
Senate Passes GMO Labeling Legislation
Late last night, various agriculture groups came out to thank the U.S. Senate for passing the Roberts-Stabenow food biotechnology labeling measure, otherwise known as the GMO labeling bill (S.764) by a vote of 63-30. And many of these groups are now encouraging the House to also pass this legislation:
USDA Designates 2 Counties in Alabama as Primary Natural Disaster Areas with Assistance to Producers in Surrounding States
From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, July 7, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated DeKalb and Jackson counties in Alabama as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. “Our hearts go out to those Alabama farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters,” said