By Jaci Schreckengost As the 2018 farm bill discussion continues, many growers are pressing to get their voices heard by those writing the bill. At the inaugural Florida Organic Food & Farming Summit in Gainesville, a workshop on September 18 allowed growers to discuss their concerns and suggestions for the farm bill. Sarah Hackney, grassroots director at the National Sustainable …
House Member Outlines Need for Farm Bill
Kansas Republican Representative Roger Marshall says families across the U.S. need the next farm bill. As part of a House Agriculture Committee video series, Marshall says there is “no single piece of legislation more important” to his district than the farm bill. Marshal represents District One of Kansas, one of the largest agricultural-driven districts in the nation. He says the …
Environmental Working Group Keeps Eye on Farm Bill Development
The Environmental Working Group is paying close attention to the process of developing the new Farm Bill. Craig Cox, Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, says the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill represent a big opportunity to help farmers deal with the more serious issues they’re going to face regarding the quality of life. The EW G …
Rep. Carter Discusses H-2A with Secretary of Labor Acosta
Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter and other members of Congress met with Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta to discuss recommended changes to regulations regarding the H-2A. The officials outlined seven key areas where they wanted to see regulation reform. Those areas are: Streamline the application process and improve operating efficiencies. Refine domestic recruitment requirement Improve housing availability Changes to program eligibility …
Farm Bill Discussed at Florida Organic Growers Summit
By Jaci Schreckengost With 2018 farm bill provisions being discussed, many growers are interested in telling their stories about how certain portions of the bill have either helped or hurt them in the past. At the inaugural Florida Organic Growers (FOG) Florida Organic Food & Farming Summit in Gainesville, a workshop was held to discuss what is currently in the …
North Florida Black Farmer Files Lawsuit Against Florida Dept. of Health Over Medical Marijuana Licensing Discrimination
Exclusive Breaking News 80-Year-old Columbus Smith, a black farmer from Panama City, Florida, this morning filed a lawsuit against Florida Department of Health in the Second Judicial Court in Leon County claiming a new Florida law and the black farmers’ association written into that law unfairly restricts his ability to apply for a license to grow medical marijuana in Florida. …
House Committees Scheduled for Three Days
House committees and subcommittees could hold more than 30 meetings during the second week of October, including a meeting of the newly formed Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness, according to a schedule posted online Tuesday. The House meetings will be held Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, as lawmakers begin getting ready for the 2018 legislative session, which starts …
Cracker Cattle Could Get State Designation
Florida cracker cattle would be named the state “heritage cattle breed,” under a proposal filed this week by Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Tequesta. Cracker cattle are descended from Spanish cattle brought to North America in the 16th Century. The proposal (HB 155) is filed for consideration during the 2018 legislative session and, if approved, would place the breed alongside horse conchs, …
House Agriculture Committee Listens to Rural America
Over the last few months, the House Agriculture Committee has traveled across the country gathering input from America’s farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders about the upcoming farm bill. Watch the highlights from those who know best what is and isn’t working in agricultural policy. Sponsored ContentVerdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Farm Bill This Fall “High Hurdle” for Senate
Getting the farm bill done this fall is a “high hurdle,” according to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts. The Kansas Republican told reporters last week it would be easier to write a bill once a budget is in place, noting that the Senate Budget Committee has said the Senate would have a budget this year. Roberts did note that …