The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its investment of more than $75 million to state and national projects regarding agriculture and natural resources. More than $5 million will be dedicated to the state of Florida and more than $70 million will be utilized towards protecting the United States from invasive plants and species. FLORIDA FUNDING The USDA’s Animal …
Final Payments to be Issued to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
(USDA-FSA/WASHINGTON/Feb. 6, 2024) — The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week. “In the natural disaster recovery …
USDA Spotlight on Specialty Crops
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting a focus on specialty crops with new investments and the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative (SCCI) which it announced back in November. USDA undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs, and fifth-generation California farmer, Jenny Lester Moffitt says one goal is to hear directly from producers about ways in which USDA could support the industry. …
Cultiva Fruit Cuticle Summit
A group of fruit industry professionals is gathered in Las Vegas for a special summit. Fruit growers know each part of the fruit is important, but a summit held in Las Vegas, Nevada, focused on how the fruit cuticle is vital in keeping fresh fruit fresh. Cultiva Market Development Manager Brian Tipton says the company brought in growers, PCAs and …
USDA Releases 2022 Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the 2022 Pesticide Data Program (PDP) Annual Summary, which shows that over 99% of the samples tested had pesticide residues below benchmark levels established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The tests were conducted on 10,665 samples from 23 commodities including fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, nuts and grains. The PDP …
Farm Bureau Backs American Sugar Producers
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is backing sugar producers. As part of the policy resolutions set during their recent national convention, the American Farm Bureau continued support for a no-cost sugar policy. Cassie Bladow, chairperson of the American Sugar Alliance says the alliance appreciates farm bureau’s support, and they appreciate having AFBF as a strong partner as they advocate for …
Changing Climate Means More Pests for Almonds, Peaches, Walnuts
How a changing climate could mean more pests for some tree crops. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Department of Agriculture research shows climate change may increase the insect population that poses a threat to the specialty crops industry. Led by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the University of California, the research shows populations …
Undersecretary Keys in on Specialty Crop Trade
While meeting with reporters at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting annual convention, USDA Undersecretary for Trade, Alexis Taylor, keyed in on trade missions that could be particularly beneficial to the nation’s specialty crop industries. Taylor said funding from the USDA will also help the industry with trade challenges. “In addition to some market development work, we’re doing a hundred …
USDA Seeking Specialty Crop Industry Feedback
Last week, USDA announced a new initiative designed to address challenges for our country’s specialty crop industry regarding market competitiveness. Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small discusses outreach for specialty crop industry input through the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative. Deputy Secretary Torres Small says they are seeking specialty crop industry feedback. USDA encourages U.S. specialty crops stakeholders to submit comments on …
Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner Down Slightly from Record High in 2022
(AFBF/WASHINGTON/November 15, 2023) — Gathering around the table for a Thanksgiving dinner won’t take as much of a toll on your pocketbook this year compared to 2022, but the meal still reflects historically high costs. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 38th annual survey provides a snapshot of the average cost of this year’s classic holiday feast for 10, which …