Asks farmers and ranchers to complete surveys online (USDA/NASS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) statistical reports remain on schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including the March 26 Hogs and Pigs and March 31 Prospective Plantings reports. NASS also continues to collect data for all upcoming reports, asking farmers and ranchers to complete their …
COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs
(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …
USDA Service Centers Open for Business by Phone Appointment Only
(USDA/NRCS) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. USDA Service Centers will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will …
Commissioner Nikki Fried Issues Emergency Orders & Rules During COVID-19
(FDACS) — Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried issued the following emergency orders and rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this pandemic, we are taking every step necessary to protect Floridians,” said Commissioner Fried. “This includes waiving fees for businesses and license applicants, extending the expiration on concealed weapons and security guard licenses by 30 days, providing training flexibility for workers, and helping …
Georgia Farm Recovery Block Grant Application Guide OPEN!
(GFVGA) — At the end of February, Governor Kemp announced details surrounding the $347 million in federal block grant funds that the state has secured to combat the devastation incurred by Hurricane Michael. The state will began accepting applications for block grant funds. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties (see map below), who suffered losses to beef, dairy, …
Public Field Hearings in Florida, Georgia on Seasonal and Perishable Produce Postponed
Washington, DC – Consistent with recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the field hearings scheduled in Florida and Georgia on April 7 and April 9 by the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Commerce will be postponed and rescheduled at a later date. The Office of U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had scheduled hearings …
USDA Continues Focus on Service During COVID-19 Outbreak
(USDA) — While President Donald J. Trump continues to take action during this COVID-19 National Emergency and enact measures to ensure Americans are safe, secure, and healthy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to be open for business to provide services to the American people. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recorded the following video message reassuring the American …
Senate Rolls Out Last Minute E-Verify ‘Compromise’
(NSF) — A last-minute deal on E-Verify emerged in the Senate on Friday, moving the Republican-dominated Legislature closer to giving Gov. Ron DeSantis a win on a key campaign promise. After weeks of negotiating with the governor’s office and reviewing a House proposal, Senate bill sponsor Tom Lee said Friday the Senate earlier that day had reached a “compromise” that …
Yoho Introduces Ag Worker Bill
A member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL), has announced the introduction of the “Labor Certainty for Food Security Act” this week to solve America’s agricultural labor shortage. In a recent interview with Southeast AgNet, Congressman Yoho said there are hurdles in getting this passed. Yoho noted this commonsense bill will bring relief to America’s farmers and …
Farm Recovery Block Grants to Aid Georgia Forest Landowners
By Clint Thompson Chuck Williams, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, believes the Farm Recovery Block Grants for Georgia farmers and forest landowners will aid an industry devastated by Hurricane Michael in 2018 but not make it whole. “In Southwest Georgia, so many of the landowners that suffered timber damage were also row crop and cattle farmers that suffered a …