Week eight of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session has been another busy one for lawmakers, but a good one for agriculture. As Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley explains, the Right to Farm Bill did pass in the House. To keep track of any of the bills during the 2022 legislative session, go to the Georgia Agribusiness Council website. Sponsored …
Florida Senate Backs Effort to Expand Broadband?
The Florida Senate on Thursday (Mar. 3, 2022) unanimously passed a proposal that would create a framework to help expand broadband into underserved areas. Linked bills (SB 1800 and SB 1802), sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, would establish a program to replace poles to help extend broadband. Sen. Loranne Ausley, a Tallahassee Democrat whose district includes sprawling rural areas, …
Florida Lawmakers Hoping to Finalize Budget Issues
As Florida lawmakers continue to finalize many issues in week eight of the Florida Legislative Session, the budget continues to be the major topic of discussion. According to Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) Director of Governmental Affairs Sam Ard, negotiators from both the House and Senate have been working out some of the high profile spending issues in what is being described as a …
Updates on Packers and Stockyards Act Rule Amendments
Last June, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they were beginning work on proposed rules to support enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, the 100-year old law that was originally designed to protect poultry and hog farmers and cattle ranchers from unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive practices in the meat markets. This week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack offered the latest …
Chlorpyrifos Tolerances for Food Crops Expires Feb. 28
While several agricultural groups did file a suit in federal court earlier this month seeking to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from prohibiting the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on food crops, producers are being reminded the tolerances for the insecticide expires today, February 28. Tyron Spearman has more details. Sponsored ContentNuseed Carinata Covers New GroundJuly 15, 2024CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, …
Right to Farm Bill in Georgia Moves On
Week seven of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session was another busy one for lawmakers, but it was an exciting week for agriculture. At least that’s according to Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley. He talks about an issue they’ve been watching closely and where it currently stands. To keep track of any of the bills during the 2022 …
Environmental Changes Teed Up for Florida Budget Talks
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE/Feb. 22, 2022) — A controversial environmental bill the Senate massaged last week after outcries from Everglades activists, fishing guides and Gov. Ron DeSantis is ready to become part of budget talks with the House. With little comment, the House on Tuesday, took up the bill (SB 2508) and nine other Senate measures and positioned them for negotiations that will …
Georgia Legislative Issues Starting to Take Shape
Week three of the 2022 Georgia State Legislative Session has been another busy one, as lawmakers continue to debate a variety of issues in Atlanta. Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley told Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman things are starting to take shape as they move through the session. Bentley also would like to pass along a reminder that the …
‘Heartland’ Water Funding Plan Backed
(TALLAHASSEE/NSF/January 26, 2022) — A Senate panel Wednesday approved a plan that would provide $20 million a year to help protect the headwaters of waterways in Central Florida, despite continued concerns from environmental groups about the source of the money. The Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee approved the bill (SB 1400), sponsored by Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills. …
Florida Lawmakers Talk Broadband and Immigration
Lawmakers Look to Boost Broadband in Rural Areas (NSF/TALLAHASSEE/January 24, 2022) — Florida lawmakers are looking to use at least $400 million in federal stimulus money to to help broadband providers expand services to mostly rural, underserved areas. But don’t expect to see the money reduce rates for customers. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Monday unanimously supported measures …