USDA Seeks Public Comment on New Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Forestry, General, Georgia, Industry News Release, Livestock, Specialty Crops, USDA-NRCS

From the U.S. Department of Agriculture: WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2014 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture is publishing a rule that outlines how it will improve the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), one of USDA’s largest conservation programs. The interim final rule includes program changes authorized by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA has established a 60-day comment period for …

AL NRCS Updates Work Through EWP

Randall Weiseman Alabama, General, USDA-NRCS

State Conservation Engineer for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama, Diane Guthrie, has an update concerning work that has taken place across Alabama through the Emergency Watershed Protection program this year. Download Audio

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Now Accepting Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications

Randall Weiseman Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Nursery Crops, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting applications for $4.5 million in expected federal funding for the Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The grant, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will be awarded to …

Education Key to Consumer Appreciation of Seed and Seed Improvement

Randall Weiseman Field Crops, General, Industry News Release, Seeds, Specialty Crops

CHICAGO, Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) today unveiled results of research commissioned by the seed industry revealing that consumers underappreciate the role of seed and seed improvement in our lives, until they are presented with specific examples of the environmental, economic and health benefits of seed. ASTA briefed members of the media during its …

Growth Energy Statement on the Oversight & Government Reform Committee Hearing Examining the RFS

Randall Weiseman Corn, Energy, Field Crops, General, Industry News Release, Soybeans

From Growth Energy: WASHINGTON, DC — In response to today’s Government Reform and Oversight Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements hearing on “EPA’s management of the renewable fuel standard program,” Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy issued the following statement: “While the delay from the EPA is frustrating to stakeholders and Congress alike, it is important that the …

Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees Chosen for 2015

Randall Weiseman Citrus, Florida, Fruits, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

From Florida Citrus Mutual: LAKELAND, Fla. (December 5, 2014) – The Selection Committee for The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has announced three distinguished leaders will be inducted into the Hall during the 53rd Citrus Celebration Luncheon on Friday, March 6, 2015 at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Nicholas “Nick” D. Faryna (deceased), formerly of Umatilla, Fla., Sherwood J. “Buddy” …

UF/IFAS PIE Center Survey Shows Floridians Have Food Safety Concerns

Randall Weiseman Beef, Cattle, Citrus, Dairy, Field Crops, Florida, General, Industry News Release, Livestock, Specialty Crops

While Floridians believe they do a fairly good job of keeping themselves safe from food-borne illnesses, they aren’t always clear about which foods, preparation techniques or cooking methods pose the biggest risks. A survey released this week by the University of Florida’s Public Issues in Education Center, shows the state’s residents have many concerns about food safety and genetically modified …